Critical Step For Raising Pigs - Facility Type For Pigs
- Date: 2010-06-24 - Word Count: 293
Share This!
The choice of facility type primarily involves a balancing of capital investment, labor requirement, and management expertise. Animal and worker welfare are primary concerns for producers, regardless of the type of facilities chosen. The key to good pig care rests more on the producer's ability to properly manage housing than it does on the specific type of housing than it does on the specific type of housing provided. Using existing facilities is one way a small operation can produce pork economically. An old dairy barn or machine shed with a concrete floor is a good place to start. Whatever the facility, housing must supply adequate space for each.
For farrowing a sow, use an A-frame or portable hut in the pasture. Single housing units provide isolation for farrowing and the ability to move to clean ground or pasture in the warmer months of the year. Sandy pasture soil makes this system work, as the water drains through the soil instead of creating mud holes. Farrowing in the cold months requires heat lamps or mats for the newborn pigs. Deep-bedded straw and a corner hover can provide piglets the opportunity to get away from their mother so they do not get laid on and crushed.
Temperature is important for pig survival, so pigs may need supplemental heat in winter months. The optimal temperature varies based on the age of the pigs: 80°F-85°F for piglets, 70°F-75°F for just weaned pigs, 60°F-70°F for grow finisher pigs, and 60°F for sows and boars.
Finishing pigs will keep a sleeping area clean if they have enough room to dung in a drafty area y the water source and if feed is available in a self-feeder away from drafts. Be sure to provide enough waterers fro the number and size of pigs.
For farrowing a sow, use an A-frame or portable hut in the pasture. Single housing units provide isolation for farrowing and the ability to move to clean ground or pasture in the warmer months of the year. Sandy pasture soil makes this system work, as the water drains through the soil instead of creating mud holes. Farrowing in the cold months requires heat lamps or mats for the newborn pigs. Deep-bedded straw and a corner hover can provide piglets the opportunity to get away from their mother so they do not get laid on and crushed.
Temperature is important for pig survival, so pigs may need supplemental heat in winter months. The optimal temperature varies based on the age of the pigs: 80°F-85°F for piglets, 70°F-75°F for just weaned pigs, 60°F-70°F for grow finisher pigs, and 60°F for sows and boars.
Finishing pigs will keep a sleeping area clean if they have enough room to dung in a drafty area y the water source and if feed is available in a self-feeder away from drafts. Be sure to provide enough waterers fro the number and size of pigs.
Related Tags: pigs facility type, raising pigs facility, raising pigs, pigs facility
Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles
Recent articles in this category:
- The Time I Had a Pet Blue Wasp
A lot of people have pets such as dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, turtles and some even have snakes and - Why Should You Buy Barking Collars For Dogs?
You love your dog but he always barks and misbehaves. It is very upsetting for owners to have dogs t - What to Consider Before Adopting a Dog
There may be plenty of occasions in your life when a puppy crosses your path and desperately needs a - What Do Pet Insurance Policies Cover?
The most basic pet insurance policies simply cover vet bills. More advanced policies can cover every - Dog Walkers Are They For You
If you own a dog then you will know how important it is to ensure that it is walked often to keep th - Creating the Right First Aid Kit For Your Dog
Most of us have some type of first aid kit in our homes. They are necessary for those small bumps an - Deciding to Crate Your Dog For Training
There are several different ways that you may decide to use to train your new dog and they are all v - What to Know About Diets For Dogs
Weight seems to be a struggle for just about anyone, and that is true in the world of dogs. In fact, - Dog Training Basics - Important Tips to Remember
Training your dog is important. It's important for his safety, your safety, the safety of your prope - Don't Go Raising Sheep For Wool Without Reading This!
There are many possible reasons why people choose to raise sheep. Some do it as a means of livelihoo
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Chesapeake Bay Retriever Puppy And Dog Information
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is not an apartment dog. She needs plenty of room to exercise and havin - How To Choose The Right Dog Trainer
Choosing a trainer is a very important decision and one that requires a fair amount of research and - Can Greenies Dog Treats Recover From Death?
A Makeover For Greenies(r) Treats Months after a series of lawsuits and media attention alleged the - Dog Treats - How to Choose Healthy Treats for Your Dog
Your dog is indeed your best friend and how you feed him or her is very important. Even small items - How to Choose A Good Dog Trainer
If you find that you are not being successful in training your own dog, or maybe you don't have the - Dog Breeds and Asthma Sufferers: Are Hypoallergenic Breeds Always Best?
The first important consideration is to understand exactly what hypoallergenic dog breeds are. In sh - Audubon Bird Feeders
Bird watching is an enjoyable hobby for many of us. We love the antics of the different birds as - Must Have Accessories For Your Fish Tank
When many individuals think of fish tank accessories, decorations are often the first thing that com - The Beautifull Hummingbirds
The hummingbirds diet requires nectar as a source of energy and for their protein source small insec - Clumber Spaniel Puppy And Dog Information
The Clumber Spaniel is an intelligent, calm dog great for apartments as they do not need a great dea
