How Pigs Are Raised in Alberta

There is no single Alberta pig-production system. Farms differ in size, housing, outdoor access, genetics, feeding programs and how they market finished pork.

Indoor, outdoor and mixed systems

Pigs may be raised primarily indoors, outdoors seasonally, on pasture, or through a combination of housing and outdoor areas. Each system requires management of shelter, temperature, bedding, feed, water, health and animal behaviour.

Outdoor access does not by itself describe the animal’s complete diet or health program. Likewise, indoor housing does not tell you everything about animal care. Consumers buying directly can ask the farmer to explain the actual system.

Pigs need a balanced diet

Pigs are monogastric animals. Unlike cattle, they do not live primarily by converting grass into energy. Producers formulate or purchase feeds intended to supply energy, protein, amino acids, vitamins and minerals appropriate to the pigs’ stage of growth.

Health and daily care

Good husbandry includes observing animals regularly, maintaining access to appropriate feed and water, managing environmental conditions and responding when animals become sick or injured.

Vaccination, parasite control, veterinary treatment and biosecurity practices can vary between farms. These are useful subjects to ask about rather than infer from terms such as local or pasture-raised.

From farm to processor

Farm-direct pigs eventually need to be transported or otherwise moved into an appropriate slaughter and processing system. Humane handling remains important during loading and transport as well as at slaughter.