Constraints and potentials for quality production

A main objective in conventional pig production is to minimise production costs and to maximise those results that are directly rewarded by the market. 

Intensive pig production systems have shown severe negative impacts on animal health and welfare (reviewed by Borell et al., 1997 Rauw et al., 1998). Further constraints of intensive production are expected owing to the dramatic effects on environmental pollution caused by a high nutrient input 

Quality is a multifactorial concept that includes a large number of factors which have to be taken into account and which are heterogeneous in outcome and in the perception of stakeholders and consumers. Currently, there is huge inconsistency between expectations and reality in relation to the level of different pork quality traits and the uniformity of products from different production systems. 

Pig production today faces the difficult task of effectively meeting emerging consumer concerns while remaining competitive in its major target markets. Providing a high sensorial quality of pork and meeting consumer concerns about product safety and animal welfare are identified as key attention points for future livestock production. The relevance of these issues pertains to 

Andersen H J (2000), What is pork quality , EAAP-Publ, 100, 15-26. 

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