Agroforestry for Pig Production

Dear colleagues,

Pigs on pasture represent a high value meat production with high consumer acceptance, but the production faces challenges related to efficiency (e.g., high feed use), animal welfare (e.g., heat stress), environment (nutrient losses), and land use requirement.

Agroforestry is an integrated land-use concept with the simultaneous production of trees (or other woody vegetation) and crops or livestock. When pigs forage in agroforestry systems, they have freedom to behave in a natural way, as optimal foragers with a diet mainly or partly based on grazed natural resources.

Although integrating trees into specialized farming systems is recognized as a potential climate change mitigation strategy, agroforestry in pig production is still limited. In Spain and Portugal, the traditional and well-known pig production system has been the key for the conservation of the dehesa/montado agroecosystem with oak trees (Quercus sp.), where Iberian pigs forage in natural pastures to produce high-quality cured ham; however, this system is facing increasing challenges related to sustainability (unfair competition and increase of stocking rates).

The objective of this Special Issue is to publish original research papers or reviews concerning a wide range of topics about integrated pig–tree systems designed to improve animal welfare and meat quality, while reducing ecological challenges related to outdoor pork production and compound feed consumption.

Areas of interest include the following: The effects of integrating pigs and trees on animal, crop rotations, soil, product quality, farm finances and performance, environment, and climate change mitigation and adaptation. Nutritional value of foraged and harvested tree biomass and fodders for pigs.  Extensive and intensified systems. Traditional and modern pig breeds. Animal handling, behavior, and welfare. Biosecurity and health problems.

Dr. Anne Grete Kongsted
Dr. Vicente Rodríguez-Estévez
Guest Editors

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