The length of feeding troughs is dependent on the carrying capacity of an individual pen. E.g. Weaners require 15 cm length of feed trough space per animal in Restricted Feeding while a Finisher pig weighing up to 90 kg is allowed 28 cm of space to feed comfortably. Less space (7 cm/animal) is required in Ad Lib feeding Finishers.
35
Using feed troughs / hoppers in the pig house will greatly reduce wastage and reduce feed costs. FLOORING Little attention is paid to the type of floor in the housing of commercial pigs and on many farms it is the familiar concrete surface of varying finishes. Unfortunately the concrete floor can cause lameness and can also be a reservoir of pathogens even with proper cleaning. The pig pen should facilitate a reduction in common leg problems and improve general health and hygiene. Floors must be level, smooth but not slippery, and maintained to prevent injury or suffering to pigs, whether standing or lying down. The floor must be suitable for the size and weight of pigs and must form a firm, even and stable surface. SLATTED FLOOR
Fully slatted (plastic) is: •
Easy to wash and dry
•
Better for best separating pigs and dung
•
Quick drying
•
Water-resistant
Figure 15 Plastic Slat
Disadvantages •
Generally the most expensive type of flooring
•
May lead to sole bruising and scraped knees in piglets
•
Cause more damage when wet
Partial Slatted Floor •
Provides a dedicated (solid) lying area
•
Better drainage in farrowing pens than solid flooring Disadvantages •
Solid area can quickly become messy and if ventilation is poor or airflow is incorrect pigs will dung in the wrong area.
•
Pigs tend to have more lesions than those housed on solid floors but fewer than those on fully slatted floors
Figure 16 Partial Slat