Experience of the Netherlands in developing ecological pig breeding and possibilities for its application in Bulgaria

Abstract

In the last 20 years, the European Union countries have applied politics and regulations for the creation of ecological animal husbandry. The Netherlands plays a leading role in terms of pig breeding. Measures that were developed to reach this state included optimization of manure quality for fertilizing agricultural areas, having a better balance of rations for separate pig categories for the reduction of nitrogen and phosphorus emissions in the faeces, application of technological solutions for pig rearing which will decrease the emission of harmful gases (ammonia and hydrogen sulfide) and economic measures such as sanctions and preferences. Specific recommendations for pig breeding in Bulgaria based on these measures were made.