Les progrès techniques dans le secteur porcin belge (1950-1970)

The technical progress in the Belgian pig sector, 1950-70 - This paper analyses the nature and impacts of technology on the Belgian pig sector for the last twenty years, so as the improvements which have resulted from it. Two types of progress are studied : (a) biological progress (genetics, nutrition, health...) which have an impact on physiology of animals and which have been materialized mainly by an higher rate of growth, a better meat quality on slaughter pigs and a higher rate of fertility of the breeding sows ; (b) mechanical progress, consisting in the repTa- cement of handwork by mechanical processes, have considerably increased the productivity of labor. In conclusions, the Government has financed a growing part of research expenses, which have been highly profitable.