Numerous pig production systems are successful. Common to all is the awareness of
the environmental influences on pig behavior and performance. The extent to which
the environment is regulated has been largely determined by economic factors. Optimal
environments are seldom achieved under practical conditions, but the awareness of
pigs' responses to environment and the provision of appropriate management and housing
should help maximize nutritional efficiency.
Systems of swine production range from shade-only field systems to totally
enclosed, environmentally regulated buildings. The change from open field to confinement
resulted in increased awareness of, and attention to, environmental and management
factors affecting pig behavior, performance level, and feed utilization. Indeed,
confinement is a biological environment in great contrast to the historical pig habitat.
Increased population density has modified behavioral patterns and has presented new
management challenges.