The project “Organic Farm Knowledge” has published a handbook, produced by Professor Sandra Edwards, School of Agriculture Food & Rural Development, University of Newcastle,  dedicated to raw materials and recommendations for pig feeding practices.

The formulation of a pigs diet has become extremely sophisticated, and accounts for 70-80% of the cost of pig production. Organic farming requires an integrated, whole-farm approach to food production which takes into account of sustainability, environmental and animal welfare considerations.

The selection of appropriate diets and feeding strategies is easily improved by following simple rules for diet formulation, provided by the nutritional value and feeding characteristics of different raw materials for organic pig diets.

The handbook is designed to assist organic pig producers in selecting appropriate diets and feeding strategies by summarising the relevant knowledge from conventional pig nutrition, discussing the ways in which organic systems may differ, presenting simple rules for diet formulation and providing information related to the nutritional value and feeding characteristics of different raw materials for organic pig diets. The target group of this tool is organic farmers (new, converted or experienced) and advisors. This tool is relevant in all locations where pigs are being raised.

The handbook can be downloaded HERE .

Source: Organic Farm Knowledge