Farrowing Accommodation

Batch farrowing is carried out at the Institute 20 sows farrow every 3 weeks.The pigs are weaned at 4 weeks
An all in all out policy is operated with rooms washed ,disinfected and allowed to dry between batches . A central passage ensures good observation of sows and litters

The front creep is constructed from PVC panels.These are easily power washed and ensure pen cleanliness. Supplementary heat is provided by an electric heat pad in the floor of the creep.An attraction light in the creep encourages the pigs to lie in this area

Sows access the crates from a rear passage. At farrowing two heat lamps are hung at the rear of the sow. Shredded paper is also used. An average birth weight of 1.7kg is achieved

Sows are fed once /day. After farrowing they are fed 3kg /day.This is increased by 0.5kg/day. The aim is to feed 200kg throughout lactation. Creep feed is introduced when the pigs are 10 days of age. Approximately 10kg/litter is offered

The crossflow ventilation system consists of inlets and an extraction fan in the opposite side wall

The ventilation is automatically controlled by a Dicam unit situated in an access passage between rooms