Recent Advancements in Scientific Management Practices for Enhancing the Productivity of Pigs: A Review

Abstract

Around the world, pork breeding and production technology has changed widely in recent years. Enhancing pig production and reducing employment, requires a boost and a complete approach to herd management. Among livestock, pig rearing generates high income because pigs have the highest feed conversion ratio among other meat-producing animals, excluding broilers. They produce an average of 10 piglets per farrowing during a shorter gestation period of 114 days. Pig farming gives quick returns, though the marketable weight can be gained within a period of 7 months. There is a good demand for pig products such as bacon, ham, sausages, pork, etc. Pig rearing occurs in backyard systems, on garbage belts, on family-operated farms, and also in large-scale integrated pig industries with strict bio-security measures. The most important way to attain that goal is to maintain animal health and welfare. The health of pigs is also a key aspect of production economics on the farm. To maintain a high health status, pig herds have to reduce their long-term use of drugs to minimise the occurrence of different diseases. The use of devices (microphones, accelerometers, or radio-frequency identification transponders and cameras), vital signs of animals, images, sounds, and movements, etc., allows for early identification of diseases, increases the productivity of breeding, and also improves their welfare. An early warning system on the basis of continuous monitoring of specific parameters (e.g., body temperature) and behavioural parameters can also provide an alternative diagnosis by the veterinarian or the herd manager.