Doktorand Jhon Perez

The project studies many parameters, such as effects on behavior and gastrointestinal health, with a key focus on how silage from forage crops can be used more resource-efficiently in current and future pig production systems. The project is focused on organic pig production, but the results could also benefit conventional production to the same extent.

A major challenge in organic pig production is the limited availability of high-quality protein feed. Since grasses and legumes have a good protein and amino acid profile, it has the potential to be used as raw material in pig feed. When stored as silage, it can serve as a local feed resource year-round, which also provides enrichment for the pigs, potentially improving their welfare. By utilizing land with poorer soil conditions, for example by growing forage and cover crops to be used for feed, more efficient land use could also be achieved.

In late 2024, the project "Increased utilization of ley crops in feed for organic pigs" was completed, which, evaluated the usefulness of grass/clover silage as a locally grown feed resource in organic pig production. Jhon's project is a continuation of this project but with a focus on finding the optimal nutritional value of forage suitable for pigs and how the silage can be incorporated into the farm's feeding system.

"We know that silage is a good feed for pigs in many ways. In my PhD project, I will investigate which type of forage is best suited nutritionally and what the pigs like to eat. An optimized forage is not worth much if the pigs don't want to eat it," says Jhon, who starts the project with a systematic literature review to see what research and practical experience exist regarding ensiled grass-legume forage for pigs.

In addition to the literature review, there are several other goals for the project:

• To study growing pigs’ preferences and silage intake when fed grass-legume silage with different dry matter content and various botanical and chemical compositions.
• To study the effect of including grass-legume silage in feed for finishing pigs on production, behavior, nitrogen retention, and gastrointestinal health.
• To test and evaluate various techniques for harvesting, storing, and handling forage silage and how it can be included in feeding systems for dry and wet feed.

The project aims to increase knowledge about the resource-efficient use of forage crops in pig production systems, a better understanding of which forage crops should be included, the optimal harvesting time, and factors that influence nutritional quality and palatability for pigs, which is essential for good consumption and efficient nutrient utilization. To increase the use and management of forage crops and incorporate them into feeding systems for pigs, new technology and feed development must consider good animal health and welfare. In a sustainable future, this project will contribute to the "One Health" perspective by striving for high animal health and welfare, food security, and good working conditions for organic farmers.

Jhon Perez is originally from Peru but has lived in Sweden since 2007 and has worked in the pig industry with integrated herds for the past twelve years. In Peru, he was responsible for leading and implementing agricultural projects in animal production for high school students from impoverished areas.

"I have knowledge of several animal species, including pets, and by studying and working with animals over an extended period, I have developed my expertise in animal husbandry, animal welfare, and animal protection in the livestock industry. I have always had a passion for working closely with animals, ensuring their well-being, and contributing to a good life is my focus," says Jhon.