Piggery Farming | Bixter Academy

Expert Insight

Leading Veterinary Expertise in Modern Pig Production

Kristian Viekilde oversees the quality and development of our Piggery Training Programs. With extensive experience in modern pig production and EU farm standards, he ensures that every course equips trainees with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to succeed on European farms. His guidance helps shape practical, industry-relevant training that meets real workplace demands.

Kristian Viekilde

CEO of Porcus & Veterinarian

Main thing you would get from this course

What you'll learn

General practical pig farm management – learn daily routines, feeding systems, hygiene, and animal handling on modern pig farms.

General animal health and welfare basics – understand disease prevention, biosecurity, welfare standards, and safe working practices in pig production.

General breeding and production knowledge – gain skills in pig breeding, farrowing, growth performance, and productivity in professional piggery systems.

Main Outcomes of the Program

This course includes

Live Sessions with Experts

Multilingual Access

EU Recognized Certifcates

Course Content

M1 Lesson 1: From Wild Pigs to Domestic Pigs
M1 Lesson 2: Traditional vs. Modern Pig Farming
M1 Lesson 3: EU and Scandinavian Standards in Pig Farming
M1 Lesson 4: Types of Sections in Production Farms
M1 Lesson 5: Inside a Modern Pig Farm
M1 Lesson 6: What Is a Pig Breed?
M1 Lesson 7: The Danish Mother Pig
M1 Lesson 8: Yorkshire & Large White — Growth and Efficiency
M1 Lesson 9: Duroc — The Strong and Meaty Pig
M1 Lesson 10: Choosing the Right Breed for the Job
M1 Lesson 11: Understanding Pig Behavior
M1 Lesson 12: Social Structure and Group Behavior
M1 Lesson 13: Clean Environment and Welfare
M1 Lesson 14: Detecting Illness and Pain
M1 Lesson 15: EU Rules for Pig Welfare
M1 Lesson 16: What is Animal Welfare?
M1 Lesson 17: Why the EU Has Pig Welfare Laws
M1 Lesson 18: Main Rules in EU Pig Welfare
M1 Lesson 19: What Farm Workers Must Do
M1 Lesson 20: Why Personal Hygiene Is Important
M1 Lesson 21: How to Practice Hygiene
M1 Lesson 22: What Are the Main Types of Farms
M1 Lesson 23: Indoor Pig Farms
M1 Lesson 24: Outdoor Pig Farms
M1 Lesson 25: Organic Pig Farming
M1 Lesson 26: Compare the Systems

M2 Lesson 1: Piglet Nutrition Basics
M2 Lesson 2: Sow Nutrition During Pregnancy & Lactation
M2 Lesson 3: Starter to Grower Phase Transition
M2 Lesson 4: Fattening Pig Diets Feeding, Growth Stages & Nutrition
M2 Lesson 5: Comparing Needs by Age & Stage
M2 Lesson 6: Types of Feed Components
M2 Lesson 7: Protein Sources in Feed
M2 Lesson 8: Feeding, Growth Stages & Nutrition
M2 Lesson 9: Balanced Rations
M2 Lesson 10: What Are Automated Feeding Systems
M2 Lesson 11: Feeding, Growth Stages & Nutrition
M2 Lesson 12: Benefits of Automation
M2 Lesson 13: What Is Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR)
M2 Lesson 14: Improving Feed Efficiency
M2 Lesson 15: Why Monitor Growth?
M2 Lesson 16: How to Measure Pig Growth
M2 Lesson 17: Water Needs by Growth Stage
M2 Lesson 18: Common Feed Supplements
M2 Lesson 19: Signs of Poor Growth
M2 Lesson 20: Feeding, Growth Stages & Nutrition
M2 Lesson 21: Feed Components Review
M2 Lesson 22: Sample Ration Calculation
M2 Lesson 23: Feed Conversion Practice

M3 Lesson 1: Common Diseases in Pigs and Their Symptoms
M3 Lesson 2: Symptoms of Diarrhea and Dehydration
M3 Lesson 3: Respiratory Problems
M3 Lesson 4: Lameness and Joint Swelling
M3 Lesson 5: Swine Fever
M3 Lesson 6: Sudden Death and Emergency Signs
M3 Lesson 7: Morning Routine – What to Observe
M3 Lesson 8: Cleaning and Fresh Water
M3 Lesson 9: Temperature and Bedding Checks
M3 Lesson 10: Signs of Stress or Injury
M3 Lesson 11: Entering the Farm – Clean Area Rules
M3 Lesson 12: The SPF System and Biosecurity in Europe
M3 Lesson 13: Visitor Control
M3 Lesson 14: Separating and Moving Sick Pigs
M3 Lesson 15: Waste and Dead Animal Disposal
M3 Lesson 16: What Vaccines Are Used For and Their Needs
M3 Lesson 17: How to Vaccinate
M3 Lesson 18: Record-Keeping for Health Events
M3 Lesson 19: Vet Visits
M3 Lesson 20: Tracking with Eartags and ID Numbers
M3 Lesson 21: Why and When to Put a Pig Down
M3 Lesson 22: How to Kill the Pig by Stage/Weight
M3 Lesson 23: Disposal of the Carcass

M4 Lesson 1: The Sow’s Reproductive Cycle
M4 Lesson 2: Signs of Heat (Estrus)
M4 Lesson 3: Tools and Records for Cycle Tracking
M4 Lesson 4: Insemination Timing Based on Heat Signs
M4 Lesson 5: Cycle Tracking
M4 Lesson 6: Breeding Basics
M4 Lesson 7: Natural Mating
M4 Lesson 8: AI Tools – How to Perform the Insemination
M4 Lesson 9: AI Steps
M4 Lesson 10: Breeding Records
M4 Lesson 11: Recognizing Normal vs. Difficult Birth (Farrowing Basics)
M4 Lesson 12: Knowing When and Why to Assist
M4 Lesson 13: Assisting the Sow Safely (Gloves, Gel, Gentle Hands)
M4 Lesson 14: Recognizing Normal Farrowing and Farmer’s Role During Normal Birth
M4 Lesson 15: Piglet Birth and First Care
M4 Lesson 16: Steps of Giving Birth & Monitoring the Sow
M4 Lesson 17: Nursing and Colostrum
M4 Lesson 18: Piglet Identification
M4 Lesson 19: Piglet Health Monitoring and Care
M4 Lesson 20: Litter Records and Growth Monitoring
M4 Lesson 21: Assisting in Piglet Castration

M5 Lesson 1: Reporting Dead Animal
M5 Lesson 2: Documenting the Death Properly
M5 Lesson 3: Good Communication with Your Supervisor
M5 Lesson 4: Communicate Clearly and Respectfully
M5 Lesson 5: Fill Out the Health Log or System
M5 Lesson 6: Watch for Problems Around the Farm
M5 Lesson 7: Watch for Problems and Describe Them Clearly
M5 Lesson 8: Record and Follow Up Record and Follow Up
M5 Lesson 9: Mistake Responsibility
M5 Lesson 10: Who to Tell and How to Say It
M5 Lesson 11: Write it Down – Record Your Mistake

M6 Lesson 1: Minimum Space Per Pig
M6 Lesson 2: Types of Group Housing
M6 Lesson 3: Designing Pig Pens
M6 Lesson 4: Air Quality and Ventilation Systems
M6 Lesson 5: Monitoring Conditions
M6 Lesson 6: Emergency Situations – Fire, Explosions & Evacuation Plan
M6 Lesson 7: Types of Pig Manure
M6 Lesson 8: If You Get Hurt – What to Do
M6 Lesson 9: Report Manure
M6 Lesson 10: Farm and Environment
M6 Lesson 11: Buffer Zones and Sensitive Areas
M6 Lesson 12: Keeping Records for Compliance
M6 Lesson 13: Rodent Risks on Pig Farms
M6 Lesson 14: Keeping Clean – Daily Hygiene
M6 Lesson 15: Farm Hygiene
M6 Lesson 16: Clean Tools and Equipment
M6 Lesson 17: Zoning and Restricted Areas
M6 Lesson 18: Visitor Control
M6 Lesson 19: Climate-Smart Pig Farming
M6 Lesson 20: The Impact of Pig Farming on the Climate
M6 Lesson 21: Future Trends and Alternatives in Pig Farming
M6 Lesson 22: Lifelong Learning and Careers in Piggery Farming

M7 Lesson 1: Supervisor Being Reliable and Accountable
M7 Lesson 2: Being Observant and Proactive
M7 Lesson 3: Being a Clear Communicator
M7 Lesson 4: Fairness and Conflict Management
M7 Lesson 5: Problem Solving and Taking Initiative
M7 Lesson 6: Understanding the Daily Schedule
M7 Lesson 7: Preparing Tools and Equipment
M7 Lesson 8: Assigning and Explaining Tasks

M8 Lesson 1: Daily Task Briefings
M8 Lesson 2: Reporting Issues
M8 Lesson 3: Using Correct Terminology
M8 Lesson 4: Giving feedback and updates
M8 Lesson 5: Handling misunderstandings
M8 Lesson 6: Understanding EU safety and hygiene standards
M8 Lesson 7: Cleaning routines – daily hygiene checks
M8 Lesson 8: Personal hygiene – enforcement for workers
M8 Lesson 9: Continuous improvement and EU standards
M8 Lesson 10: Welcoming and introducing new workers
M8 Lesson 11: Teaching Safety Rules
M8 Lesson 12: Supervising Efficiency
M8 Lesson 13: Problem-Solving
M8 Lesson 14: Supporting Worker Progress
M8 Lesson 15: Introduction to Documentation
M8 Lesson 16: Recording Daily Farm Activities
M8 Lesson 17: Animal Health and Production Records
M8 Lesson 18: Traceability of Feed and Supplies Traceability of Feed and Supplies
M8 Lesson 19: Audits and Corrective Actions
M8 Lesson 20: Introduction to Animal Welfare
M8 Lesson 21: Monitoring Animal Welfare Daily
M8 Lesson 22: Applying EU Legal Requirements
M8 Lesson 23: Welfare Practices
M8 Lesson 24: Handling Reporting

Choose your plan

Bixter Candidates

€570

For current and former Bixter trainees
Exclusive discounted price

Combine hands-on training with certified theory
EU-approved program
Strengthen your competitiveness in the job market
Get 3 courses for the price of 1

External Individual

€870

Perfect for independent learners ready to upgrade their skills
Grow your skills at your own pace

Learn directly from industry experts
EU-approved program
Become more competitive in the job market
Get 3 courses for the price of 1

Small Team

€475

5 + licenses

Price is per License

Exclusive discounted price
Hands-on training combined with certified theory
Ideal for upskilling small teams quickly

Medium Team

€375

6-30 licenses

Price is per License

Learn at your team’s own pace
Industry-expert training with practical experience
EU-approved program

Large Team

€300

31-100 licenses

Price is per License

Corporate discount included
Hands-on and theory-based training for consistent growth
Scalable solution for large teams

Enterprise

Due to agreement

100+ licenses

Price is per License

Flexible onboarding for large groups
Industry-level training with practical expertise
Designed for long-term team upskilling

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Features	Bixter Candidates €570 per course Register now	External Individual €870 per course Register now
EU Certified Training
Buy 1 Get 3 Courses	(+)
Special Discounted Price		—
Standard Price
Self-paced Learning
6-month Access
Mobile-friendly Platform
Digital Certificate
Downloadable Resources
Industry-expert Content
Career Tips & Learning Recommendations
Alumni Benefits	(+)
Priority Access to New Courses	(+)
Skill Path Recommendations
Support Included	Standard support	Standard support
Corporate Features (team dashboard, custom support, negotiable pricing)	—	—

Features	Small Team 5 + licenses €475 per license	Recommended Medium Team 6-30 licenses €375 per license
EU Certified Training	—
Buy 1 Get 3 License
Discounted Rate per License
Negotiable Pricing	—	—
Self-paced Learning
6-month Access
Mobile-friendly Platform
Digital Certificates
Industry-expert Content
Manager Dashboard
Team Analytics & Reporting
Progress Tracking (per employee)
Flexible License Management
Team Onboarding Assistance
Priority Support
Dedicated Account Manager
Custom Learning Paths	—
Branded Certificates (optional)	—
Extended Access Period (optional)	—	—
Corporate Payment Options (Invoice, SEPA)	—	—

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