How Chinese Farmers Are Raising Hundreds Of Millions Of Pigs
Hello wise viewers of Trending Farm. The scale of pig farming in China is truly remarkable, with hundreds of millions of pigs raised each year through a variety of farming methods. How do these models address issues such as disease control and environmental impact? How does the integration of modern technology into these food factories improve pig farming practices? Join Trending Farm as we explore these important aspects of Chinese agriculture.
In a groundbreaking move that has captured global attention, China has unveiled a 26 storey pig farm due in late 2022. Located on the outskirts of Ezhou in Hubei Province, central China, the impressive structure is a vertical city dedicated to pig farming. Initially housing 3,700 sows, the facility will eventually be capable of processing up to 1.2 million pigs a year. Equipped with cutting edge technology, including state of the art ventilation, temperature control, and automated feed and waste management, the farm aims to optimize production while minimizing its environmental footprint. The vertical design makes efficient use of space, addressing land scarcity and maintaining biosecurity. However, the project has been controversial, with concerns raised about animal welfare and the potential impact on smaller, traditional farms. Critics have raised concerns about the ability to provide individual pig care in such a large scale operation and the environmental pressures that such large facilities pose. As China continues to push the boundaries of agricultural innovation, the massive pig farm highlights the ongoing debate between sustainable farming practices and the challenges posed by rapid industrialization.
Despite the rise of high rise farming models, small scale pig farming remains prevalent across China, particularly in the central and southern provinces. In these regions, where agriculture is a way of life, 80% of households engage in pig farming. These farms often rely on native pig breeds well suited to local climates and food sources. Traditional farming tools and techniques are still common, with barns typically built in smaller spaces. The focus is on sustainability, using local grains and agricultural by products as feed. Pig farming in these households primarily meets family needs, with limited surplus sold locally. However, these small scale operations face challenges in accessing government support and technological advancements.
Would you like to know more about any aspect of small scale pig farming in China? Leave a comment for us to clarify.
And when it comes to pig farming in China, it would be a mistake if we didn't take you to visit the unique caves in Yunnan and Guizhou, China.
Are you wondering why pig farming is called caves? The interesting part is waiting for you in the next minutes of the video.
In mountainous regions of China, particularly in areas like Guizhou and Yunnan, a unique pig farming model involves raising pigs in caves, a tradition practiced for centuries. This method, used by over 60% of small scale farmers in these areas, provides a stable environment with consistent temperatures, helping pigs avoid the extremes of cold winters and hot summers. Caves serve as natural food factories, reducing the need for artificial heating or cooling and cutting costs by up to 30% compared to conventional barns. Pigs raised in caves have a survival rate of over 90% and produce high quality pork, characterized by firm meat and less fat. However, the model’s small scale, with farms typically housing fewer than 50 pigs, limits production capacity. Managing these farms is also challenging due to the difficulty in cleaning and applying modern technology. While this method contributes to environmental sustainability and preservation of local traditions, it requires scientific research and government support to enhance efficiency and improve living standards for farmers.
Regardless of the farming model, the care of pigs supplied to food factories is both detailed and rigorous. Each pig is vaccinated regularly to protect against common diseases, with vaccination rates exceeding 90% annually. This preventive measure is vital in maintaining the health of the herd within the framework of the food factory.
Furthermore, pigs are also given regular mud baths, which have a dual effect: cooling the animals and protecting their skin, an activity that is especially valuable in China's diverse climates.
Pig pens are meticulously cleaned to maintain food factory hygiene standards and prevent disease outbreaks. This includes daily waste removal and periodic disinfection to ensure a clean environment.
These comprehensive care practices not only improve the health and welfare of pigs, but also contribute significantly to the efficiency of supply to Chinese food factories, which play an important role in the global pork supply chain.
For 2,000 years, pork has been a cornerstone of Chinese cuisine, reflecting its deep cultural and historical significance. Archaeological finds at Zengpiyan Cave in Guilin, Guangxi, show evidence of domesticated pigs as far back as 6000 BC, making them one of the first animals to be domesticated for food in ancient China.
Today, China remains the world's largest consumer of pork, accounting for 70% of total meat consumption in the country, with a pig population of around 700 million.
Despite the growing popularity of other meats, pork consumption in the Chinese diet remains significant, with nearly 44 million tonnes served in 2021 alone. This represents 40% of global pork consumption, despite China accounting for less than 20% of the world's population.
China's per capita pork consumption rose slightly in 2021 after four years of decline, largely due to an outbreak of African swine fever that destroyed more than 130 million pigs in 2018 and 2019. Regions such as Chongqing and Sichuan had the highest pork consumption, while Xinjiang and Ningxia consumed the least.
Pork is such an integral part of Chinese life that people even shape the roofs of their houses after the Chinese pronunciation of the word pig, highlighting its cultural importance.
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