Why are most pigs now raised indoors rather than in open pastures?
A. Hog farms are often very different than the traditional image many people have of pigs wallowing in a muddy pen. Years ago, pigs would lay in the mud to protect themselves from overheating and biting insects. Hogs today are raised in a variety of humane ways. Many hogs, particularly those located in states with extreme weather, are kept indoors in buildings where the pork producer can control temperature, humidity and other environmental factors. These buildings are well-lit and clean, so the producer can better monitor and promote the health of the hogs. Some modern operations use a combination of indoor and outdoor facilities. But most importantly, good care depends on the producer’s ability to properly manage and maintain housing rather than the type of housing used. Modern facilities typically provide a producer with the means to standardize production conditions and reduce production variation, making the operation more efficient. As a result, U.S. producers have been able to m
