Key Technical Highlights of Organic Pig Farming
When it comes to organic pork, the first impression for most people is "free from additives and healthier," but many mistakenly believe that "free-range farming equates to organic production" — which is not the case. Organic pig farming must strictly comply with GB/T 19630-2019 "Organic Products: Requirements for Production, Processing, Labeling, and Management Systems," with clearly defined standards applied at every stage.
I. Aquaculture Environment: Establishing a Solid Foundation for "Pollution-Free" Practices
1. The site selection must be located far from pollution sources, with a buffer zone of at least 30 meters established between the facility and non-organic farming areas to prevent cross-contamination at the source; soil and air quality must comply with organic standards; pig houses shall ensure adequate ventilation and lighting, and be equipped with comprehensive shading and rain protection facilities to guarantee comfortable growth of the swine population.
2. Long-term tethered rearing is strictly prohibited; pigs must be provided with adequate activity space, and their natural behaviors must be respected. Practices such as cage farming that restrict pig nature must be firmly eliminated.
a) Weaned piglets (body weight ≤30 kg or age ≥40 days): Indoor: 0.6 m² per head; Outdoor: 0.4 m² per head.
b) Fattening pigs: Weight ≤ 50 kg; Indoor space: 0.8 m² per head; Outdoor space: 0.6 m² per head.
For animals weighing ≤85 kg: Indoor space – 1.1 m² per animal; Outdoor space – 0.8 m² per animal.
For animals weighing ≤110 kg: Indoor space: 1.3 m² per animal; Outdoor space: 1.0 m² per animal.
c) Lactating sows (with piglets): Indoor: 7.5 m² per sow; Outdoor: 2.5 m² per sow;
Number of breeding sows: 2.5 m² per sow indoors; 1.9 m² per sow outdoors.
Number of breeding sows: Indoor: 6.0 m² per sow; Outdoor: 8.0 m² per sow.
II. Feed Management: Consuming appropriate "organic feed" is crucial
1. Pig feed shall primarily consist of organic feed, with the proportion of organic feed in annual consumption not falling below 85%, and at least 50% sourced from the farm's own feed production base or local cooperative organic production units; externally purchased organic feed should prioritize compliant supplies from local areas or neighboring provinces/regions, and long-distance cross-regional procurement and distribution are strictly prohibited. Within the first 12 months prior to organic certification, feed produced by the farm's planting base in compliance with organic standards may be used internally but shall not be sold as organic feed. The use of animal-derived feed, chemically synthesized growth promoters, preservatives, flavoring agents, etc., is strictly prohibited throughout the entire process.
The recommended daily feed intake (per head/day) is as follows:
a) Weaned piglets (body weight ≤30 kg or ≥40 days of age) require 0.6–1.0 kg, accounting for approximately 3%–4% of their total body weight.
b) Fattening pigs: 30–50 kg: 1.5–2.1 kg;
50–85kg：2.2–3.0kg；
85–110kg：2.8–3.5kg。
c) type sows: Unpregnant/pregnancy early stage: 2.0–2.5 kg;
Late pregnancy (after 80 days): 2.8–3.5 kg;
Lactating sows (with piglets): 3.5–5.0 kg (the upper limit is generally adopted for cases with piglets).
d) boars: Non-breeding period: 2.5–3.0 kg; Breeding period: 3.0–3.5 kg
2. The lactation period for piglets shall not be less than 40 days, with exclusive breastfeeding being prioritized. During the colostrum phase, ensure that piglets receive an adequate amount of colostrum. Early weaning is strictly prohibited; emergency milk substitutes must not contain antibiotics or prohibited additives. Feed should be fresh and composed of a mix of roughage and greenage.
III. Disease Prevention and Control: "Prevention First, Scientific Response"
1. Adhere to the core principle of "prevention over treatment," prioritizing disease prevention through improving breeding environments and enhancing herd quality. Administer nationally approved non-GMO vaccines to reduce disease risks at the source.
2. Disinfection may only be performed using approved disinfectants within the permitted range, such as quicklime or sodium hydroxide; if conventional medications must be employed, the pigs shall be isolated and observed for twice the drug elimination period after administration (if less than 48 hours, it shall be calculated as 48 hours).
IV. Other Core Requirements
1. Reproduction: Embryo transfer and cloning are prohibited; natural mating or artificial insemination is encouraged; externally purchased conventional piglets require a 6-month transition period.
2. Traceability: Each pig is equipped with an ear tag, ensuring full-process record-keeping and traceability.
3. Waste feces: Subjected to high-temperature composting for harmless and resourceful utilization.
4. Nontherapeutic surgeries: Prioritize procedures that do not require surgical intervention; physical castration and canine tooth blunting in piglets within 24 hours are permitted; tail cutting, tooth removal, and other unauthorized surgeries are strictly prohibited.
5. Entities that have only obtained organic certification for pig farming are not permitted to sell organic pork. Only after being processed by enterprises with legitimate slaughter qualifications in compliance with standardized procedures and obtaining organic processing certification may they legally use the organic label to market organic pork products.
In summary, the core of organic pig farming lies in "adhering to natural principles and maintaining full-process controllability." Every step—from breeding environment and feed supply to disease prevention and control—must strictly comply with national standards to ensure the production of safe, healthy, and reliable organic pork.
About Cotecna Kaixin Certification
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