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Modelling interactions between farmer practices and fattening pig performances with an individual-based model
A Cadéro1, A Aubry1, L Brossard2
11IFIP - Institut du porc,35651 Le Rheu,France.
Animal : an International Journal of Animal Bioscience
|November 17, 2017
Summary
Developing a pig fattening model that simulates individual pigs improved economic and environmental performance assessments. The restricted 10-phase feeding strategy maximized gross margin and minimized environmental impacts in European pig production.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Animal Science
- Environmental Science
Background:
- European pig production faces economic and environmental challenges.
- Individual pig performance variability improves simulation accuracy over average animal models.
- Need for models assessing farmer practices on pig production performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- Develop a pig fattening unit model simulating individual pig performances.
- Assess the impact of farmer practices and management on technical, economic, and environmental outcomes.
- Incorporate farmer typologies from on-farm surveys into the model.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an individual-based model adapted from the InraPorc® model.
- Simulated four scenarios combining feed rationing (ad libitum, restricted) and feed sequencing (two-phase, 10-phase).
- Performed analysis of variance on technical, economic, and environmental indicators using Life Cycle Assessment.
Main Results:
- Both feed rationing and sequence plans significantly affected most indicators.
- The 'restricted 10-phase' scenario yielded the highest gross margin (€14.2/pig) and lowest environmental impact.
- The 'ad libitum two-phase' scenario resulted in the lowest margin (€8.20/pig) and highest environmental impact.
Conclusions:
- The developed model is a promising tool for assessing farmer practices' effects on pig production performance.
- The model can evaluate technical, economic, and environmental impacts of pig fattening units.
- Further research with virtual experiments is needed to explore a wider range of practices.
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