The Utilization of Mathematical Models to Improve Swine Production

Swine production systems have dramatically changed in the last three decades. Pigs were traditionally raised extensively in small, non-specialized farms to satisfy family needs, the surplus being sold for revenue. Feed cost was low and manure was seen and used as valuable fertilizer. Nowadays, swine production has become intensive leading to a reduction in farms raising pigs but, at the same time, having many more animals per farm. In most of the pork producing countries, the concentration of much of the feeder hog industry in some geographical areas produces a dramatic increase in environmental load. In these conditions, land application attains frequently excessive levels that jeopardize the integrity of the environment and therefore, manure is no longer a valuable fertilizer, but a production waste. Combining production and management techniques that enhance profit and improve the ecological and socioeconomic surroundings are required to develop sustainable swine production systems (Honeyman, 1996).