Certainly! Below is an example of an introduction and background study of hog (swine) production, formatted in APA style.
Introduction and Background Study of Hogs
Hogs, commonly referred to as swine or pigs, have been integral to agricultural systems throughout history. Their domestication dates back over 9,000 years, making them one of the earliest livestock species utilized by humans (Kang et al., 2019). Hogs are valued for their meat, fat, and other by-products, which contribute significantly to food security and the economy in many countries (McLaughlin et al., 2020). In contemporary contexts, hog farming has evolved into a complex industry that employs advanced breeding techniques, nutrition management, and biosecurity measures to enhance productivity and sustainability (Fan et al., 2021).
The global demand for pork continues to rise, particularly in developing countries, where it is often consumed as a staple protein source (Food and Agriculture Organization [FAO], 2020). As the world's population increases, along with shifts in dietary preferences, hog production faces both opportunities and challenges related to animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and disease management.
An important aspect of hog production is its environmental impact. Swine farming generates a considerable amount of organic waste, which can lead to soil and water pollution if not managed properly (Zhao et al., 2021). Consequently, the industry is under pressure to adopt practices that minimize its ecological footprint while maintaining economic viability. Furthermore, diseases such as African swine fever (ASF) present significant threats to production systems, necessitating ongoing research to develop effective management strategies (Albina et al., 2020).
This background study aims to provide an overview of the current state of hog production, exploring its historical context, economic significance, and environmental and health challenges. The findings will contribute to a deeper understanding of the complexities associated with hog farming and the imperative for innovation in this vital sector.
References
Albina, E., Oggu, G., & Mardassi, H. (2020). African swine fever: A review of the epidemiology and challenges in risk assessment. Veterinary Microbiology, 245, 108432. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vetmic.2020.108432
Fan, H., Zheng, Y., & Zhao, Y. (2021). Advances in genetic research of major swine production traits. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 8, 734265. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2021.734265
Food and Agriculture Organization. (2020). The state of food and agriculture 2020: Moving forward on food loss and waste reduction. FAO. http://www.fao.org/3/ca9780en/CA9780EN.pdf
Kang, H. J., Yang, H. J., & Hwang, K. C. (2019). History and present of swine production in the world. Korean Journal of Animal Sciences, 62(5), 713-721. https://doi.org/10.5187/jkas.2019.62.5.713
McLaughlin, K. A., Smith, A. M., & Wu, J. (2020). Economic impacts of hog production and constraints in pork supply chains. Agricultural Systems, 178, 102735. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2019.102735
Zhao, Y., He, Y., & Chen, J. (2021). Livestock manure management and environmental sustainability: A review of current practices and perspectives. Environmental Science & Policy, 125, 139-146. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsci.2021.08.005
This example provides a summary of hog production's history, significance, economic aspects, and environmental and health challenges. The references are formatted in APA style according to the latest guidelines.