Pasture pork, strategies for minimizing environmental impact

Abstract

The environmental impact of pastured pork production systems is related to climate, soil type, vegetative ground cover species and grazing pressure. Each situation requires a specific analysis. Different strategies have proven to be beneficial to reduce the environmental impact of pastured pork, including: implementing rotational management, employing an appropriate stocking rate, periodically moving shelters, feeding and drinking structures, and utilizing crops for soil bioremediation. In order to maintain a vegetative ground cover of 75%, it is advisable to implement rotational grazing systems with stocking rates lower than 50 growing-finishing pigs/ha or 10 gestating sows/ha.