Study Guide

Objective

The student shall understand the factors affecting the profitability of pig production. He/she shall know what requirements pigs have on their production environment and care regarding slaughter pig and on the other hand piglet production. The student shall be able to optimize pig production on the basis of current factors and requirements.

Content

The general conditions of pig production, different consumer perceptions, general requirements and wishes of the public and the authorities?
The structure of pig production and key players in the industry in the EU and Finland
Pig production's historical development and possible future prospects in the EU and Finland
Different forms of pig production / different production orientations and how they work (breeding, piglet, growth, slaughter pig and integrated production)
Factors affecting pig profitability and economic prospects. How to achieve sustainable and profitable pig production?
Feeding and feeding standards, feed state calculations
The pig's demands on its production environment
Pig health care in Finland (SIKAVA - national health care, biosafety in the pig farms, the threat from other countries, African swine fever - ASF)
Pigs natural behavior, observations of animals, problem identification and lessons learned, optimal environment in pig houses
Organic pig breeding, special requirements and recommendations
Wild boar in the wild and in fences, opportunities, problems and current measures

Evaluation scale

H-5

Qualifications

Basic knowledge in the field of animals, especially in the fields of feeding, anatomy and physiology, as well as reproduction and calf birth.