Environmental impact of backyard pig production in Tepetlán, Veracruz Pig production impact in Tepetlán, Veracruz

Abstract

objective

Identify and estimate waste production, water consumption and productive practices of backyard pig farms in the municipality of Tepetlán; Veracruz; in order to foresee the possible impacts on the environment, and generate knowledge that promotes new environmental public policies adapted to the small producer.

Methodology

36 backyard livestock production units were identified and studied in the localities of Vicente Guerrero and Alto Tío Diego by means of a census in which structured surveys were applied to obtain data; the results were analyzed by means of descriptive statistics. The maximum potential of the pollutant load with the installed infrastructure was estimated.

Results

We registered 503 pig heads of diverse zootechnical function and mainly of the Landrace pig breed in the 36 farms studied, 54.7% of idle infrastructure was identified. We found that about three tons of excreta are produced per day between the towns of Vicente Guerrero and Alto Tío Diego, of which 78% are dumped into the municipal drainage. The water consumption per unit of average livestock production was 132.2 L and for each unit of animal population 28.5 L, but with a standard deviation of 32.2 L per unit of animal population. The work also provides information on the feeding and productive practices of the animals. Implications It was possible to estimate the volume of pig excreta generated in the studied localities, however, it is considered necessary to quantify organic matter, nitrogenous products, phosphorus, and total and fecal coliforms. Conclusions

It is considered important to quantify and regulate the waste generated by this livestock activity for making corrective and regulatory decisions, to establish solutions that protect natural resources without harming the economy of the small producer.