Abstract: Raising Entire Males: Castration-Free Management with Pig Sexing

Type and Average of Pigs on the Farm

The farm maintains 93 sows, with an average of 2,373 grower-finishers per year and 270 pigs per fattening batch.

Farming System

Intensive, small-scale production system; organic labelling.

Description and Evaluation of the Good Practice

For two years the farmer raised pigs in mixed pens, which caused joint injuries and sometimes mortality in females due to mounting behaviour — a particular challenge under organic conditions, where longer fattening periods and higher light intensity intensify sexual behaviour in males. Three years ago, sexing was introduced at the start of the fattening phase. As the farm practises farrow-to-wean to minimise stress in piglets, sexing only takes place at fattening start. The farm is equipped with ergonomic barriers allowing 300 animals to be sorted in 30 minutes with two people, or 45 minutes working alone. Raising entire males proves fully compatible with organic production and older animals (average 183 days, 124.3 kg live weight). Boar taint incidence is 1.6% among entire males and 0.8% over the total population. Lean Meat Percentage improved by 3 points following the switch.

Farm Context

• Pigs Final weight: 124.3 kg live weight at average age of 183 days; slaughter age: 190 days. Boar taint feedback: 1.6% among entire males, 0.8% over the total population.

• Housing and Management Characteristics Floor type: straw. Number of sows per batch: 23. Feeding: complete feed.

• Management Practices Stop castration (entire male). Organic labelling. Implemented by the farmer; 1–2 people per batch. Practice: sexing the animals at the start of the fattening phase.

Economic Analysis

A gain of 3 TMP points in lean meat percentage was observed when switching to entire males. Stopping castration (as well as tail docking and tooth grinding) results in time savings at farrowing; sexing adds 30–45 minutes of work at the start of fattening, which is offset by reduced time spent treating animals injured by mounting behaviour. Other economic benefits include fewer joint condemnations at the slaughterhouse, lower veterinary costs and reduced mortality caused by mounting behaviour.

Environmental Analysis

No environmental changes were observed: straw consumption, water consumption and manure production remained unchanged.

Replicable Benefits and Relevance for Other EU Countries

Sexing is a solution compatible with fully slatted housing systems, which are the predominant production model in Europe.

Note: The image used in this abstract is for illustrative purposes only and does not represent the farm or practice described.