Important changes occurred in the swine production in the last 40 years. Importation of feedstuffs from regions where pigs are not produced is now common. The manure produced is spread on the surrounding lands of the swine building which can lead to excessive amounts of phosphorus, copper and zinc accumulated in the soil. Intensive swine buildings can produce odors, ammonia and dusts that exceed acceptable levels. As a result, in some countries and states, new legislation try to control the animal manure use, the expansion or the localization of swine production units. The environmental consequences of the intensive swine production are presented along with nutritional means to help control the situation. Special attention is put on the Dutch experience and forthcoming legislation. Environmental constraints for the pig production that may come in the future are also discussed.

The MINAS legislation on minerals accounting system is presented. with the standards. Farms with more than 2,5 LU/ha have to submit a minerals account based on the input (supply of animals, feed, fertilizers, manure from other farms) and output (slaughter animals, milk, animal manure, crops). When certain limits for the phosphorus and nitrogen are exceeded, the farmers have to pay levies.