Environmental management of pig farms: a proposal for field indicators

Abstract

Pig production being faced with environmental issues, it is suggested to internalize its enviornmental management in the pig farms by providing them with specific tools. Nine initial indicators are proposed for swine farms that would allow individualised management at the farm level and open to the possibility of pooling within a network (establishment of "references"). They quantify consumption (water, energy) and direct emissions (NH3, GES and odours), mineral outputs (N, P205, Cu and Zn) and waste, expressed per kilo of pork produced. The indicators are based on data available on the farm, or else assessed through existing techno-economic analysis methods. A field test carried out in seven pig farms shows their sensitivity within and between farms. A gain is thus obtained compared to the use of average standards. In some cases, however better monitoring methods are required for a reliable assessment.