Organic pork is becoming a much more popular product on the Canadian market, coming full circle from decades ago, before antibiotics and pesticides became the norm in agriculture. These days, pigs raised on organic farms are getting recognition for their more natural flavour, and healthy benefits that remain unaffected by any unwanted chemical interference.
But apart from being positive for humans, this type of farming is also much better for pigs, who grow up with a much more natural lifestyle. In this article, we run through 4 facts about organic pigs and organic pork you probably didn’t know.
1. Organic Pigs Are Much Healthier Animals
It might seem counterintuitive to presume that the organic pigs live a healthier life, considering organic pork is not exposed to any antibiotics whatsoever, but it’s true. When these animals are allowed to roam free in the fields, they have a healthier lifestyle that helps in preventing foot and leg diseases. More than that, they are not kept in a confined space, where sicknesses can travel much faster.
2. Pigs Are Omnivores
If someone is teased for acting like a pig, it probably means that they ate way too much, too quickly. This is because pigs are known for their voracious – and indiscriminate – appetites. These animals are actually omnivores, who aren’t accustomed to a simple, grass-fed appetite like cows, for example. Pigs, in their organic surroundings will eat vegetables, fruit, meat, and even bugs! For this reason, an organic pig’s varied diet is much better for the animal.
3. Pigs Don’t Have Sweat Glands
This second common phrase “sweating like a pig” actually makes very little sense, considering pigs don’t have sweat glands. It is for this reason that pigs are so fond of rolling around in the dirt and mud – it is for protection against the sun, and to keep them cool. In a more natural environment, organically-raised pigs are allowed tofulfill their instinctual habits, where they can roll around, as happy as a pig in muck.
4. Organic Pork is Better for the Land
Organic pork takes a much lesser toll on the land than pork which has been raised by other means. A too heavy concentration of animals means much more manure drains off into the land, affecting groundwater negatively. With a more natural number of animals living on the right amount of designated land, organic farming remains a better choice for our bodies, our animals, and our environment.
