Jeremy Bentham

5.3.

Considerations in scenarios for pig breeding

In principle, the main lines of the scenarios sketched above for dairy cattle also apply to pig breeding. Currently, pig producers are completely dependent on animals produced by conventional breeding. A few farmers buy sows from organic propagating units. Organic pig farmers could make a start with organic breeding by trying out one or more alternative breeding strategies with conventional stock. Already, crosses are made especially to produce hardier animals for organic conditions. In the Netherlands, for example, Duroc or Crusta boars are used to this end.

Other countries, however, also have local breeds which would be well-suited to free-range systems. In the UK there is a long tradition of keeping pigs outdoors; several breeds which are adapted to outdoor conditions, for example the Hampshire breed, are readily available in these countries. Also in Germany is more expertise on organic pig production. Interesting breeds are Angler Sattelschwein and Schwabish- Hällisches Schwein, which have a good roughage uptake (Mathes, 1999). Also in Denmark are free range systems are in use and knowledge about successful breeds is possible available . It is important, therefore, that the Dutch organic pig sector makes an inventory of the breeding stock used in other countries, so that suitable breeds can be crossed with modern hybrids. Scandinavian landrace sows would appear to be particularly suitable for organic production (Slaghuis, oral information) for their good mothering traits and good production of uniform piglets.

A completely organic breeding system for the organic pig sector in the Netherlands might not be feasible. An effective breeding programme, without any deterioration in technical results, could be realised with only 3000 sows producing 60,000 porkers per year. At this time, however, there are too few organic pig farms and the number of porkers slaughtered per year (19,000) is too small. A covenant agreement to stimulate organic pig production was signed by the government and representatives from the sector in 2000, and aims for 100,000 organic porkers per year. With those numbers, an organic breeding programme would be feasible.

Farm-specific breeding is possible in pig production. It would reduce farmers' dependence on breeding companies and enhance diversity. But, at least in the Netherlands, it would also require farmers to take a pretty drastic step away from the current status quo. A lot will depend on future developments in organic and conventional pig production. Farm-specific breeding could be feasible for large units. But it is possible that the sector will move away from specialisation, and that pigs will be returned to their more traditional setting on mixed farms where they are kept in smaller groups. In that case, farm-specific breeding would be difficult. Perhaps these farms, with their smaller populations, could source animals from larger, specialised organic pig production units.

5.4.

Considerations in scenarios for poultry

breeding

Again, poultry breeding scenarios largely overlap the scenarios described in detail for dairy breeding. Dutch poultry, both layers and broilers, are hybrids or brands produced by conventional breeding companies. Propagation largely takes place in conventional conditions, although the rearing of layers must take place in organic units.

A more organic breeding system would initially depend on the cooperation of the multinational breeding companies that currently dominate the sector in order to ensure a reasonable level of production. These breeding companies are focusing more strongly on producing hybrids for free-range systems. This is a significant development for the organic sector.

from the increased selection of free-range poultry, but other developments in the breeding sector such as marker selection and genetic modification conflict with organic principles and may force a break between organic production and conventional breeding in the future.

Developments within the organic sector, too, might necessitate an alternative breeding approach. Dual- purpose poultry production which avoids the problem of killing young cockerels might well take hold in the organic sector, raising the demand for dual-purpose poultry. Another trend might be to extend layers' productive life by keeping them on during the moulting season. Suitable animals for these types of production systems are available outside the Netherlands. For example, the dual-purpose hybrid Tetra Zweinutz in Germany. The Dutch organic poultry sector should explore the possibilities available outside the Netherlands. In particular, many initiatives are being undertaken in Germany to produce dual-purpose poultry and hybrids for organic production.

Farm-specific breeding would not appear to be an option for poultry production right now, but it is not impossible. There is one farm in the Netherlands where about 200 hens are kept for selection. Selected hens hatch their own eggs. This approach might not be feasible or professional enough for large

production units. It depends largely on the situation and possibilities of a farm and the will of the farmer. Another consideration in farm-specific breeding is whether eggs should be incubated or hatched naturally by the hen. Important factors are the hen's brooding characteristics and the scale of hatching required. Incubators can handle larger quantities of eggs.

Similar possibilities exist for the broiler sector. Many broiler brands are currently produced by ISA. These hybrids are suitable for the longer finishing time in organic poultry production. The advantage of using dual-purpose layers is that young cockerels are not wasted. Meat production again becomes a by-product of egg production. The mother hen used by ISA is a dual-purpose hen which is used in France.