Strategies to improve the sustainability of production systems and meat quality of swine

With the global population projected to reach 9.15 billion by 2050, the demand for meat, notably pork, is on the rise. As the second most produced and consumed meat worldwide, pork production faces sustainability challenges. To ensure the long-term sustainability of the pork industry, it is crucial to identify and address key challenges within the pig supply chain. This involves understanding, both intensive and extensive pig farming systems, each with its unique advantages and disadvantages. This doctoral thesis aims to propose solutions to enhance the sustainability of the pig farming sector, addressing critical aspects of both intensive and extensive production methods. Organized into two main sections, it systematically addresses specific challenges encountered within the industry. The first section focuses on enhancing the sustainability of intensive pig farming, with a particular emphasis on optimizing feed efficiency, welfare standards, and productivity. Through two trials the thesis investigates carbohydrate utilization, specifically during the critical post-weaning and fattening phases of heavy pig production. It sheds light on the potential advantages of substituting conventional corn with waxy corn, renowned for its superior digestibility. In the post-weaning period, this substitution has shown promise in alleviating gastrointestinal stress by acting as a prebiotic, thereby reducing the occurrence of diarrhea and enhancing gastrointestinal health in piglets within the first two weeks post-weaning. Moreover, during the finishing period, the higher levels of digestible and metabolizable energy content in waxy corn have demonstrated notable benefits, especially in male pigs, resulting in increased adipose coverage and stable intramuscular fat, without observed effects in females. Additionally, the thesis explores the intricacies of protein utilization considering the prospect of pigs autonomously regulating their protein and essential amino acid (EAA) requirements, suggesting animals' capability to self-regulate their nutritional needs. In the extensive production system, the focus areas were improving animal welfare and increasing productivity. This section examines the adaptability of Cinta Senese pigs, a heritage breed, and their crosses to challenging environmental conditions and the critical issue of slaughter—two vital aspects of the supply chain. The findings demonstrate that CS crossbreeds not only boost farm productivity through faster growth rates than pure CS but also yield a leaner carcass, better suited for fresh meat production. Remarkably, these crossbreeds exhibit greater resistance to environmental stress compared to their purebred counterparts, highlighting the significant advantages of selective crossbreeding in improving farm productivity and resilience. To maintain high standards in the extensive pork production system, welfare must be upheld throughout all stages, especially during slaughter. Dedicated slaughtering practices tailored for this supply chain are essential to ensure high meat quality and reinforce consumers' perception of ethical production. The thesis proposes on-farm slaughter as a solution that positively impacts animal welfare, preserves meat quality, and ensures the microbiological safety of meat and carcasses. This approach offers a viable alternative to traditional slaughter methods to meet outlined objectives.