Sustainability at One | Dutch-Sino Collaboration to Promote Sustainable Pig Production
Imagine a pig farm that has a circuit for visitors that allow you to see 4,000 happy pigs without disturbing them. For upholding pig’s health, the RTTC pig farm uses different lighting colours in the stable to make the pigs calm and improve their health. It is one of the pioneers to test the impact of light on pigs. In addition, an air washer has been installed in the top floor of the building to guarantee air quality around the stable.
The Research, Training & Technology Application Center (RTTC) pig farm in Anping County, Hebei Province of China, has already been operational since September 2022 housing some 4,000 pigs of which over 600 sows, 2,500 piglets and 600 gilts/fatteners.
The RTTC, an ambitious Sino-Dutch state-of-the-art pig farm, strives to shed light on how sustainable pig farming could be materialized.
Initiated in 2020, the RTTC project is intensively supported by the ministries of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality and Foreign Affairs of the Dutch government. It boosts a strong Sino-Dutch collaboration of 15 companies as well as knowledge institutes. Its vision is to support sustainable pig farming, animal health, welfare and the environment with a motto: In China, with China, for China.
The RTTC pig farm (1) provides state-of-the-art solutions for high performance and efficiency, (2) delivers effective options to secure animal health and biosecurity, (3) uses data intelligence and innovations to share 24/7 in-depth information, (4) supports sustainable and environmental-friendly pork production, (5) assists in transparent production to guarantee food safety and traceability, and (6) offers management training and education to create progress for pig farm owners.
The farm premises are also fully equipped with measuring and monitoring hardware and software to support related scientific research. It has training, meeting and accommodation facilities for visitors and trainees.
The project not only is a remarkable example of cooperation between European and Chinese professionals and governments, it also contributes highly to reducing pollution, increasing animal welfare, and reducing the use of antibiotics. It brings significant benefits for human health and reduces impact on ecosystems.
