# Swine Manure Lagoon Management and Safety


## Key Takeaways

- Swine manure lagoons are anaerobic biological treatment systems that require integrated management for nutrient recovery, environmental protection, and worker safety, with risks including ammonia and hydrogen sulfide gas accumulation, lagoon overflow, and liner failure.
- Effective management necessitates a robust nutrient management plan based on soil tests and crop needs, coupled with regular monitoring of lagoon liquid levels, freeboard, and sludge accumulation, particularly after significant weather events.
- Worker safety is paramount due to lethal gas hazards (H₂S, NH₃, CH₄, CO₂), requiring strict confined space protocols, including self-contained breathing apparatus and retrieval systems, and clear safety boundaries with signage.
- The persistence and potential dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) within lagoon sludge and effluent underscore the need for management plans that account for resistance spread during land application, with potential for monitoring using real-time PCR assays for specific genes like erm(B) and erm(F).
- Weather events, such as heavy rainfall and snowmelt, are primary drivers of lagoon overflow and berm failure, necessitating daily freeboard checks and emergency pumping protocols when regulatory minimums are threatened.
- Biosecurity measures are critical to prevent pathogen and ARG reintroduction to animals or environmental contamination, requiring physical separation of manure areas, disinfection of equipment, and separate personnel attire for lagoon maintenance.

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Swine manure lagoon management requires integrated planning that balances nutrient recovery, environmental protection, and worker safety. A lagoon functions as both a storage reservoir and a biological treatment unit for the manure produced during swine production. Improper management can lead to nutrient runoff, odor emissions, gas hazards, and structural failure. Effective management depends on understanding lagoon biology, adhering to nutrient management plans, monitoring weather and water levels, maintaining safety boundaries, securing required permits, and engaging professional support when conditions exceed routine protocols.

## At a Glance

| Aspect | Key Considerations |
|--------|-------------------|
| **Purpose** | Store and partially treat manure, enable land application of nutrients |
| **Risks** | Ammonia and hydrogen sulfide gas, lagoon overflow, liner failure, pathogen and antibiotic resistance gene persistence |
| **Planning** | Nutrient management plan based on soil tests, crop needs, and lagoon capacity |
| **Monitoring** | Weekly depth, sludge accumulation, freeboard, seasonal nutrient and gas sampling |
| **Weather Risk** | Heavy rain, snowmelt, and prolonged freezing can reduce effective capacity and alter treatment |
| **Safety Boundaries** | Fencing, signage, no-entry zones, confined space protocols for gas hazards |
| **Permits** | Typically required by state or local agencies, may include EPA National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits |
| **Professional Support** | Extension specialists, certified crop advisors, [veterinary public health](/blog/careers/veterinary-public-health-careers-from-food-safety-to-zoonosis-control) officers, environmental engineers |

## System Context and Planning Decisions

### Lagoon Types and Biological Function

The most common swine manure lagoon design in concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) is the anaerobic lagoon, which relies on microbial decomposition in the absence of oxygen. Anaerobic digestion reduces organic matter and pathogen load but does not eliminate all microorganisms or antimicrobial resistance genes. Research has documented the abundance and persistence of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in livestock manure management structures, including intracellular and extracellular ARGs in lagoon sludge (see [Abundance and persistence of antibiotic resistance genes](https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/84884941100) from eastern China and [Intracellular and extracellular antimicrobial resistance genes in the sludge](https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/84884277543)). These findings underscore the need for management plans that account for the potential of resistance dissemination when lagoon contents are land-applied.

### Nutrient Planning and Land Application

The core planning decision for any swine lagoon is the nutrient management plan, which must be developed before the lagoon is constructed or expanded. The plan should match the nitrogen and phosphorus content of the stored manure to the uptake capacity of the crops grown on the application fields. Soil testing and crop removal rates determine the allowable application rate. Overapplication can lead to nutrient runoff into surface waters, violating permits such as those issued under the U.S. Clean Water Act. Extension resources from land-grant universities and documents from the FAO Animal Production and Health division ([FAO Animal Production and Health](https://www.fao.org/animal-production/en/)) provide regional guidance on application timing and buffer distances. Uncertainty arises when soil test results vary by year or when crop yields shift, professional consultation with a certified crop advisor is then warranted.

### Siting and Structural Integrity

Lagoon siting must respect geologic and hydrologic boundaries. Minimum distances to wells, streams, and property lines are typically defined by state regulations. Liner materials (clay, synthetic) must be inspected during construction and periodically thereafter for leaks. No single federal standard governs all lagoon construction in the United States, but the USDA National Animal Health Monitoring System ([USDA NAHMS](https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/nahms)) includes facility design questions in its swine studies. The Merck Veterinary Manual ([Merck Veterinary Manual](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/)) discusses odor management and gas hazards associated with manure storage, which are directly tied to siting and maintenance.

## Core Management Framework

### Monitoring Protocols

Routine monitoring of lagoon liquid level, freeboard (the distance from the liquid surface to the top of the berm), and sludge depth should occur at least weekly during the warm season and after every significant rainfall event. Sludge accumulation reduces storage capacity and can interfere with pump-out operations. Annual sampling of lagoon liquid for nutrient concentration (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) and pH is recommended to verify the assumptions used in the nutrient management plan. For operations with prior disease issues or antibiotic use, periodic sampling for ARGs may be considered, although no routine surveillance protocol currently exists. The [PubMed record 38643622](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38643622/) addresses environmental management of swine manure, including monitoring considerations.

### Weather Risk Assessment

Weather events are the most frequent cause of lagoon overflow or berm failure. Producers must maintain a freeboard of at least two feet in most jurisdictions, although the specific requirement may vary by state. During periods of heavy rain or snowmelt, operators should check freeboard daily. If the freeboard falls below the regulatory minimum, emergency pumping is required, often to temporary storage or to a larger capacity lagoon. The [PubMed record 41616716](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41616716/) provides historical context on manure management risks, while [PubMed record 35797461](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35797461/) discusses pathogen and resistance gene dynamics influenced by management variables. Freeze-thaw cycles can also damage berm integrity, inspection for cracks or slumping should follow freeze events.

### Safety Boundaries and Gas Hazards

Swine manure lagoons produce hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, methane, and carbon dioxide. These gases can accumulate to lethal concentrations, especially during agitation or pump-out. Safety boundaries must include fencing to prevent unauthorized access, signage warning of toxic gas, and a confined space entry protocol for any worker who must enter the lagoon or the pump station area. No worker should enter a lagoon without self-contained breathing apparatus and a harness attached to a mechanical retrieval system. The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) Terrestrial Animal Health Code ([WOAH Terrestrial Code](https://www.woah.org/en/what-we-do/standards/codes-and-manuals/terrestrial-code-online-access/)) includes general provisions on biocontainment and worker safety in livestock operations, which apply to manure management. In the event of a gas-related incident, immediate escalation to emergency medical services and veterinary public health authorities is required. Professional support from agricultural safety specialists can help develop site-specific emergency action plans.

## Facilities and Environment

Anaerobic lagoons for swine manure storage and treatment function as complex biological systems whose performance depends on loading rate, temperature, and hydraulic retention time. The Food and Agriculture Organization [FAO](https://www.fao.org/animal-production/en/) emphasizes that lagoon siting must account for soil permeability, depth to groundwater, and proximity to surface waters. Producers should characterize soil texture and install clay liners or synthetic membranes where natural impermeability is inadequate. Lagoon capacity must accommodate the volume of manure, flush water, and precipitation from a 25 year 24 hour storm event to prevent overtopping during extreme weather.

Weather risk constitutes a primary management concern. Heavy rainfall can dilute lagoon contents and reduce pathogen die off while increasing the volume that requires land application. Prolonged drought concentrates solids and nutrients, raising ammonia volatilization and odor emissions. Operators should monitor weather forecasts and adjust irrigation schedules accordingly. Multiple consecutive freeze thaw cycles can damage lagoon berms through ice lens formation and subsequent cracking. The [Merck Veterinary Manual](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/) advises routine inspection of berm faces for erosion, slumping, or burrowing animal damage after each significant weather event.

Antibiotic resistance genes persist and may proliferate within lagoon environments. Research on [occurrence and fate of antibiotics in swine wastewater treatment systems](https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/85047454083) indicates that conventional anaerobic lagoons reduce some antibiotic compounds but may select for resistant bacteria. Similarly, studies on [antibiotic resistance genes in eastern China livestock farms](https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/84884941100) found that resistance determinants for sulfonamides and tetracyclines remain abundant in lagoon effluent. This finding underscores the need to integrate resistance monitoring into routine lagoon management programs.

## Nutrition and Water Interactions

Feed formulation directly affects lagoon nutrient loading and odor production. Diets formulated with phase feeding and reduced crude protein using synthetic amino acids lower nitrogen excretion and subsequent ammonia volatilization. Particle size reduction of cereal grains improves nutrient digestibility and decreases the organic matter entering the waste stream. Producers should consult a swine nutritionist to balance production efficiency against manure nutrient content. The [PubMed record 35797461](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35797461/) discusses dietary strategies to reduce environmental impacts of swine production including the use of phytase to decrease phosphorus excretion.

Water delivery systems also influence lagoon characteristics. Cup waterers produce less spillage than nipple drinkers, reducing total liquid volume. Recirculating flush systems conserve water but concentrate solids and nutrients in the lagoon. Producers should meter water usage at barn level to detect leaks and track consumption trends. Records linking feed intake to water usage can indicate health problems or equipment malfunction before clinical signs emerge.

## Production Stage Decisions

Lagoon management strategies vary with pig age and facility type. Farrowing barns produce relatively small volumes of manure with high pathogen load from placental fluids and dead piglets. Removing stillborn pigs promptly reduces organic loading. Nursery barns generate manure with higher copper and zinc concentrations due to pharmacological levels used for growth promotion. These heavy metals accumulate in lagoon sludge and may limit land application options over time. The [Wood Health Organization Terrestrial Animal Health Code](https://www.woah.org/en/what-we-do/standards/codes-and-manuals/terrestrial-code-online-access/) provides guidance on manure handling in disease control contexts though it does not prescribe specific operational thresholds.

Finishing barns contribute the majority of total manure volume. All in all out production schedules allow for complete cleanout between groups. For continuous flow facilities, operators must balance uniform loading against the need to drain and remove sludge periodically. Sludge accumulation reduces effective storage volume and alters the carbon to nitrogen ratio needed for proper anaerobic digestion. Sludge removal should occur during dry weather and the material should be land applied at agronomic rates.

## Records and Monitoring

Systematic records support both nutrient planning and regulatory compliance. Operators should document lagoon liquid and sludge depth, nutrient analyses from composite samples, land application volumes and locations, and weather conditions during application. The [United States Department of Agriculture National Animal Health Monitoring System](https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/nahms) indicates that farms maintaining written manure management plans demonstrate better nutrient balance and lower environmental risk scores. Records should be updated after each pumping event and reviewed annually.

Nutrient monitoring requires standardized sampling protocols. Lagoon liquid samples should be collected from multiple points and depths then composited for laboratory analysis. Nitrogen testing should distinguish between ammonium nitrogen and organic nitrogen because the former is immediately plant available and more prone to volatilization. Phosphorus and potassium concentrations guide crop application rates. Testing frequency depends on lagoon size and use intensity, but minimum quarterly sampling during the storage season is prudent. The [PubMed record 36442448](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36442448/) reviews best practices for nutrient management planning that apply to lagoon based systems.

## Welfare and Worker Safety

Animal welfare is indirectly but meaningfully affected by lagoon management. Gases released from lagoons, primarily hydrogen sulfide and ammonia, can reduce pig respiratory health and trigger aversion behaviors. Barns with manure pits under slatted floors should be ventilated continuously with alarm systems for backup fan failure. Lagoon agitation during pump out can liberate lethal concentrations of hydrogen sulfide within minutes. Workers must never enter a lagoon without self contained breathing apparatus and a safety harness tended by a second person stationed outside. The [United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service](https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease) publishes fact sheets on manure gas hazards though specific regulations fall under occupational safety authorities.

Comprehensive training programs reduce accident risk. All personnel should recognize hydrogen sulfide olfactory fatigue and understand that the gas deadens smell at moderate concentrations. Manure spills should be contained immediately using berms or absorbent materials. Emergency response plans must include contact information for local environmental agencies and poison control.

## Failure Patterns

Lagoon failure typically presents as overtopping during storm events, structural berm failure due to seepage or sloughing, or catastrophic rupture from hydrostatic pressure. Chronic failures include excessive sludge accumulation reducing treatment volume, crusting impeding gas exchange and increasing explosion risk, and nutrient imbalances leading to algae blooms and odor. Research on [intracellular and extracellular antimicrobial resistance genes in livestock waste management structures](https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/84884277543) suggests that the partitioning of resistance genes between liquid and solid phases varies with management, which complicates the assessment of environmental risk.

Biogas production within lagoons can present explosion hazards. Incomplete anaerobic digestion produces methane that accumulates under crusts or in confined spaces. Operators should avoid open flames and spark producing equipment near lagoon surfaces. Ventilation of lagoon pump out stations and enclosed manure transfer pits should be verified before entry.

## Practical Monitoring

On farm monitoring combines visual inspection with simple measurements. Weekly walk arounds should check berm integrity, freeboard depth, inlet and outlet function, and vegetation cover on berms. Floating markers indicate liquid depth and allow for estimation of storage volume. Odor monitoring zones should be mapped in the manure management plan with records of complaints and weather conditions.

Advanced monitoring may include dissolved oxygen probes in aerobic treatment cells if used, temperature sensors for anaerobic digestion verification, and automated flow meters on transfer pipes. Lagoon temperature affects bacterial activity and gas production. In northern climates, operators should anticipate reduced treatment efficiency during winter and the need to store manure until soil temperatures support biological activity during land application. Professional support from extension personnel, certified crop advisers, and environmental consultants should be engaged for complex nutrient planning or compliance questions. The [PubMed record 41616716](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41616716/) although dated provides foundational concepts for lagoon management that remain applicable while cautioning that local regulations now supersede many historical recommendations.

Uncertainty remains regarding the fate of emerging contaminants such as antimicrobial resistance genes and microplastics in lagoon systems. Producers should follow developing research through extension networks and adapt management practices as evidence accumulates. Professional escalation to academic specialists or regulatory staff is indicated when monitoring detects trends that standard operating procedures do not address.

### Health Observation

Routine health observation of the herd is integral to lagoon management. Direct exposure to lagoon gases, aerosols, or contaminated water can cause respiratory irritation, reduced feed intake, or enteric disease. The [Merck Veterinary Manual](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/) describes that swine exposed to hydrogen sulfide or ammonia from decomposing manure may show eye irritation, coughing, lethargy, or sudden death in acute cases. Producers should document any clustering of signs such as dyspnea, nasal discharge, or diarrhea, especially during or after lagoon agitation, pumping, or heavy rainfall that may cause overflow. Changes in drinking water behavior or feed refusal may be early indicators of air quality problems. Daily observation and recordkeeping allow correlation with lagoon management activities and weather events. If illness occurs only in pens nearest the lagoon or in downwind buildings, airborne exposure is a plausible cause. [USDA APHIS](https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease) resources emphasize the value of systematic health monitoring for detecting emerging problems before they affect herd performance.

### Biosecurity

Lagoons can serve as reservoirs for pathogens and antimicrobial resistance genes that may be reintroduced to animals or contaminate the environment. [WOAH Terrestrial Animal Health Code](https://www.woah.org/en/what-we-do/standards/codes-and-manuals/terrestrial-code-online-access/) standards for biosecurity recommend physical separation of clean and contaminated zones, including manure storage areas. Vehicles, boots, and equipment used for lagoon maintenance should be cleaned and disinfected before contact with animal housing, feed, or bedding. The presence of intracellular and extracellular antimicrobial resistance genes in lagoon sludge has been documented [Intracellular and extracellular antimicrobial resistance genes in the sludge of livestock waste management structures](https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/84884277543), and resistance genes such as erm(B) and erm(F) have been quantified in manure management systems [Development and application of real-time PCR assays for quantification of erm genes](https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/34547174165). These findings indicate that lagoons can contribute to the spread of resistance if biosecurity is not maintained. Personnel should use separate clothing and footwear for lagoon work, and footbaths with disinfectant should be placed at entry and exit points. The [FAO Animal Production and Health](https://www.fao.org/animal-production/en/) guidance reinforces that manure handling biosecurity protects both animal and human health.

### Diagnostic and Veterinary Escalation

When health problems potentially linked to lagoon exposure are identified, diagnostic involvement is required. The veterinarian should be notified if morbidity or mortality rises above baseline, especially if signs are primarily respiratory or neurological. Diagnostic tools include necropsy, lung histopathology, and testing for infectious agents that may be aerosolized from manure, such as _Salmonella_ or _Lawsonia intracellularis_. The [Merck Veterinary Manual](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/) provides diagnostic algorithms for swine respiratory disease. Environmental sampling of lagoon water or air can be performed to quantify ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, or methane levels. In cases of suspected toxicity, gas monitoring equipment may be used with professional oversight. If a notifiable pathogen is detected, reporting to [USDA APHIS](https://www.aphis.gov/livestock-poultry-disease) or the relevant state authority is mandatory. Veterinary escalation should occur before significant production losses or zoonotic risks develop. The [WOAH Terrestrial Animal Health Code](https://www.woah.org/en/what-we-do/standards/codes-and-manuals/terrestrial-code-online-access/) outlines reporting requirements for diseases such as swine vesicular disease or classical swine fever, which could be suspected on clinical grounds.

### Uncertainty

Uncertainty in lagoon management centers on the unpredictable behavior of pathogens, resistance genes, and gases under varying conditions. The abundance and persistence of antibiotic resistance genes in livestock farms are influenced by management, climate, and lagoon age, and are not fully predictable [Abundance and persistence of antibiotic resistance genes in livestock farms](https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/84884941100). Similarly, the occurrence and mass loadings of antibiotics in swine wastewater vary by treatment system design and seasonal use patterns [Occurrence, fate and mass loadings of antibiotics in two swine wastewater treatment systems](https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/85047454083). Disinfection processes such as chlorine, ultraviolet light, and ozone do not guarantee complete inactivation of all pathogens or genes, their efficacy depends on organic matter content, pH, and contact time [Disinfection of swine wastewater using chlorine, ultraviolet light and ozone](https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/33646431953). Producers must accept that monitoring provides trends, not absolute assurances, and that professional judgment is essential. When uncertainties cannot be resolved on-site, consultation with a veterinary toxicologist or environmental engineer is indicated.

### Sustainability

Sustainable lagoon management integrates nutrient recovery, pathogen reduction, and long-term environmental protection. The [FAO Animal Production and Health](https://www.fao.org/animal-production/en/) resources promote systems that recycle manure nutrients to crop production while minimizing greenhouse gas and odor emissions. Treatment technologies that reduce antimicrobial resistance gene loads, such as anaerobic digestion or advanced disinfection, contribute to sustainability by lowering the potential for resistance dissemination in receiving soils and waters. The mass loading of antibiotics can be mitigated through optimized treatment design [Occurrence, fate and mass loadings of antibiotics in two swine wastewater treatment systems](https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/85047454083). Regular desludging, proper sizing to withstand precipitation extremes, and adherence to permit limits on nutrient application are practical sustainability measures. These actions also support herd health by maintaining a low-pathogen environment around the production unit.

## Frequently Asked Questions

1. **What health signs should I watch for that may indicate lagoon gas exposure in swine?**
   Watch for coughing, nasal discharge, eye inflammation, lethargy, and sudden death, especially in groups nearest the lagoon. The [Merck Veterinary Manual](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/) describes signs of hydrogen sulfide and ammonia toxicity.

2. **How often should biosecurity protocols be reviewed for lagoon management?**
   Review protocols at least annually and after any disease outbreak or lagoon overflow event. [WOAH Terrestrial Animal Health Code](https://www.woah.org/en/what-we-do/standards/codes-and-manuals/terrestrial-code-online-access/) standards emphasize re-evaluation when risks change.

3. **When is it necessary to involve a veterinarian for lagoon-related concerns?**
   Involve a veterinarian if increased mortality, respiratory distress, or neurological signs occur, or if you suspect a notifiable disease. [USDA APHIS](https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease) provides reporting guidelines.

4. **How can I monitor for antimicrobial resistance genes in my lagoon?**
   Consult a diagnostic laboratory about real-time PCR assays for resistance genes such as erm(B) and erm(F). Studies have used these methods in manure management systems [Development and application of real-time PCR assays for quantification of erm genes](https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/34547174165).

5. **Does disinfection of lagoon wastewater always eliminate pathogens?**
   No. Efficacy of chlorine, ultraviolet light, and ozone varies with organic load and pH [Disinfection of swine wastewater using chlorine, ultraviolet light and ozone](https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/33646431953). Professional validation is needed to confirm treatment effectiveness.

6. **What factors make the health impact of lagoons uncertain?**
   Variability in pathogen persistence, resistance gene abundance, and gas release due to weather, lagoon age, and management practices contributes to uncertainty [Abundance and persistence of antibiotic resistance genes in livestock farms](https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/84884941100).

7. **How can lagoon management support nutrient sustainability?**
   Use manure nutrients to meet crop needs without overapplication, incorporate soil testing, and consider treatment technologies that protect water quality. The [FAO Animal Production and Health](https://www.fao.org/animal-production/en/) offers guidance on integrated nutrient planning.

8. **What should I do if a reportable disease is suspected near the lagoon?**
   Immediately contact a veterinarian and follow state and federal reporting requirements. The [USDA APHIS](https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease) and [WOAH](https://www.woah.org/en/what-we-do/standards/codes-and-manuals/terrestrial-code-online-access/) have established protocols for disease investigation and control.

## Educational Veterinary Notice

This material is intended for educational use by producers and animal health professionals managing swine manure lagoons. It does not replace on-site veterinary medical advice, regulatory compliance, or site-specific professional engineering consultation. Every operation differs in design, climate, herd health status, and regulatory obligations. For specific guidance on health observation, biosecurity protocols, diagnostic testing, or sustainability planning, consult a veterinarian experienced in swine production and a qualified environmental or agricultural engineer. All referenced sources should be reviewed for full context and current applicability.

## Related Farming Guides

- [Pig Farming Breeding Farrowing Nursery Grow Finish Nutrition And Biosecurity](/knowledge/animal-farming/swine/pig-farming-breeding-farrowing-nursery-grow-finish-nutrition-and-biosecurity)
- [Farrowing House Preparation And Sow Care](/knowledge/animal-farming/swine/farrowing-house-preparation-and-sow-care)
- [Newborn Piglet Care During The First 48 Hours](/knowledge/animal-farming/swine/newborn-piglet-care-during-the-first-48-hours)
- [Pig Farm Biosecurity Plan](/knowledge/animal-farming/swine/pig-farm-biosecurity-plan)
- [Production Records For Pig Farms](/knowledge/animal-farming/swine/production-records-for-pig-farms)

## Related Clinical & Scientific Guides

* [Pig Enrichment Programs and Behavior Monitoring](/knowledge/animal-farming/swine/pig-enrichment-programs-and-behavior-monitoring)
* [Swine Handling Facility Design for Safe Pig Movement](/knowledge/animal-farming/swine/swine-handling-facility-design-safe-pig-movement)
* [Swine Feeding Management for Grow-Finish Pigs](/knowledge/animal-farming/swine/swine-feeding-management-for-grow-finish-pigs)


## References and Further Reading

- [FAO Animal Production and Health](https://www.fao.org/animal-production/en/)
- [WOAH Terrestrial Animal Health Code](https://www.woah.org/en/what-we-do/standards/codes-and-manuals/terrestrial-code-online-access/)
- [USDA APHIS Livestock and Poultry Disease](https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease)
- [Merck Veterinary Manual](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/)
- [USDA National Animal Health Monitoring System](https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/nahms)

> This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, treatment, public-health guidance, or regulatory reporting.