Pigaerator Pork — FarmPal
Using pigs as composters and aerators of deep-bedded winter cattle housing, then finishing on pasture.
Species Involved
Feeder pigs (various breeds)
Key Principles
- •Cattle deep-bedded through winter (hay + carbonaceous material)
- •Corn buried in bedding pack
- •Pigs introduced in spring to root for corn, aerating bedding
- •Pigs finish on pasture or forest (silvopasture)
- •Resulting compost is high-quality and aerated
Infrastructure
Deep-bedded cattle housing (3+ feet of bedding)
Pig fencing within or around building
Watering system for pigs
Pasture or forest paddocks for finishing
Electric fencing for pasture rotation