The five-year research programme ‘Boars Heading for 2018’ examined various differences in nutritional uptake and growth between castrated and uncastrated male pigs. The results were remarkable.
The Netherlands would require 200,000 tons less feed if male pigs were no longer castrated. This would be a major boon for the environment and would reduce pressure on the agricultural land available. Per pig this boils down to approx. 20 kg less feed required for the same performance. For pig farmers this amounts to a difference of 5 – 8 euros per animal, depending on the specific conditions at their facility.
Detailed information can be obtained straight from the researcher in question. For the (English-language) research report and contact details click here.