Producers using straw-based pig production systems could one day find a
niche export market for their animals, said John Maltman, regional
swine specialist with Manitoba Agriculture.
Manitoba Agriculture and Agriculture Canada have spent the last year
developing protocols and synchronizing production systems. In addition
to exploring U.S. markets, a private company is also involved in
looking at markets in Europe.
The idea is to raise an animal in a unique system that is efficient,
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more welfare friendly and that uses less antibiotics, Maltman said.
“Some people want a little more comfort in reductions in antibiotic
uses and welfare issues,” he said.
“It’s not intended to be mainstream.”
He said straw-based systems may have a role in developing new markets
for farmers and choices for consumers.
Maltman, who said 200,000 pigs are raised in these systems in Manitoba,
is optimistic there are market opportunities and producers willing to
participate.
“Initial work has demonstrated there is very serious interest in it.”
Negotiations with packers have been complicated by the fact packers
need large volumes of pigs to be efficient. Also, to access the
European Union, the pigs would have to be slaughtered in an EU-approved
plant.
