Jos Van Thielen

The perception of biosecurity, management, and labour of batch management production systems among pig producers

Abstract: Nowadays, batch management systems (BMSs) are more frequently applied on a pig farm than traditional continuous production systems. But until now, little research has been identified about pig breeders’ perceptions of BMSs. Therefore, a survey was built to assess advantages and disadvantages, perceived by producers of each BMS, focusing on biosecurity, management, and labour. The survey was completed by 45 farmers. Results revealed that 4-BMS and 5-BMS farmers were more satisfied about hygiene (P=0.0060) and health conditions (P=0.0225) on their farm compared with the other farmers. This could be explained by the need for only one farrowing room and the low number of batches required in both BMSs. Possibly due to this higher satisfaction about their biosecurity, a reduced piglet vaccination coverage (P=0.0399) and more labour efficient management (P=0.0101), were indicated by those farmers. However, almost none of those farmers indicated the absence of labour peaks in the list of advantages, probably because the weekly routines differ over weeks, unlike a 1-BMS and a 3-BMS. To conclude, this research provides essential information about farmers’ perceptions concerning biosecurity, management, and labour for all BMSs, but these results need to be confirmed by quantitative biosecurity measurements.

The perception about batch management production systems among pig producers

Abstract: This research investigates and evaluates different management systems, based on experiences of professional pig farmers to assist pig farmers in their choice for an appropriate management system. Flemish (Belgian) pig farmers were asked to complete a survey concerning the characteristics of their farm and the applied batch management system (BMS). Hence, advantages and disadvantages of all management systems could be investigated. Results indicate that labour efficiency seems to be the major reason for applying a BMS compared with the continuous management system. The results also reveal a significant association (P < 0.05) between the type of BMS applied and the number of sows at the farm. Furthermore, the weaning age of piglets depends significantly on the applied BMS. Finally, results pointed out that, in general, a 4 wk BMS (4-BMS) is indicated by the farmers as a labour efficient and profitable management system, although farmers perceived a reduced biological performance when applying a 4-BMS because piglets are weaned early. More research is required to solve current disadvantages of a 4-BMS, such as early weaning, and to confirm the perception of the pig breeders by analysing economic and technical data of the farm in such a way that BMS can further develop and improve.