Jerry Shurson University of Minnesota

Publish Date: March 25, 2010

The market for natural, organic, and other “niche” produced foods represents a small, but growing segment of the food market. Organic food is produced using methods aimed at enhancing the environmental health of the farm ecosystem. The philosophy of organic farming is that farmers work with nature and natural systems to enhance soil, plant and animal health, which leads to a better environment and improved human health. One of the driving forces behind the fast growth of niche food markets is increased public concern over the safety and quality of foods produced from conventional food production systems and an interest in buying locally-produced products. Niche foods are perceived by some consumers as foods that are safer for consumption, better in nutrition, or healthier to the human body than foods produced by conventional production, and having a reduced environmental impact. Regardless of the reasoning for purchasing, these products garner higher prices in the marketplace due to the increased management and production costs required for their production.

Publish Date: March 25, 2010

Providing adequate consumption of all essential nutrients is central to maintaining good health of pigs. Animals that are fed properly are more resistant to many bacterial and parasitic infections, which may be partially due to better body tissue integrity, increased antibody production, improved immunity to diseases, or other factors. Additionally, proper nutrition is essential for rapid recovery from all diseases [1]. Optimal herd health requires that all parts of a production program fit together in a complementary system. Herd health programs can be fully effective only if pigs have adequate nutrition, while nutrient utilization can only be optimized if pigs have high health status. High health status increases productivity and efficiency, but also increases nutrient requirements. Therefore, diet and health are intricately connected and dependent upon each other.