Organic Pig Production

Introduction to organic farming
Biology I
Biology II
Anatomy and phyisiology of animals
Health in Animals
Reproduction in Animals

The classes are of theoretical-practical nature. An expository methodology is used for the presentation of the theoretical material, exemplified then with practical exercises or activities in the ESAC pig-farm.
1) In the classroom with Powerpoint presentations and videos.
2) In the execution of practical work in the field (management of ESAC pig-farm and private farms outside of school), in the laboratory (natural reproduction and artificial insemination)
3) In the bibliographic research and the analysis of articles and reports on the contents of the curricular unit.

As a learning objective, the student should achieve practical and theoretical skills of organic pig production in the following areas:
Know the breeds of pigs adapted for organic production
Know the production cycle and general management of pigs;
Identify the characteristics of the different systems of production of organic pigs
Analyze, plan and implement adequate housing and environmental conditioning systems for pigs
Analyze, plan and implement adequate feed systems for pigs
Evaluate performance and develop appropriate management strategies in pig farms
Understand the factors that affect animal welfare and define the animal biosafety plan;
Know the reproductive management in pigs;
Know how to raise piglets and fatten pigs for slaughter
Know some diseases that affect the pigs;
Know which medicines and vaccines can be used in organic production pigs.
Know the factors that cause stress in animals during transport to the slaughterhouse and the process of slaughter;

In order to achieve the objectives of the curricular unit and the conferring of the competences foreseen for students, the process of teaching learning is based on the following contents divided into two modules:
Module 1 – Pig Production, Nutrition and Housing Systems (60%)
1) Pig breeds adapted for organic production
2) Production Systems
3) Nutrition and feeding of pigs in organic production mode (OPP)
4) Housing and environmental conditioning for pig farms in OPP
5) Production management, records and performance evaluation.
6) Biosafety plan appropriate to organic production – Biosafety “conception” and Biosafety “Dynamic”.
Module 2 – Reproduction in Pigs, Health and slaughter of Pigs (40%)
1) Reproductive management in organic production
2) Breeding and rearing piglets – Care for piglets following birth
3) Animal Hygiene and Health
4) Transport of animals – Legislation on animal welfare
5) Rules and procedure for slaughtering organic pigs – Legislation and Certification.

• - CF = (60% Prova escrita + 20% pesquisa bibliográfica e apresentação em Powerpoint + 20% relatório do trabalho no campo)) - 100.0%

• - prova escrita (60%) + prova prática/escrita relativa às matérias de práticas de campo (40%). - 100.0%

NAO