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Trick
Use of micro sprinklers to soak periodically the area where we wish the animals to defecate.
Explanation
This trick allows to define the defecation area and to facilitate the cleaning process. With this aim, micro sprinklers soak periodically the area where we wish the animals to defecate.
When pigs are housed in pens, they are able to reach an agreement and establish an area to defecate, that is normally very different from the resting area. Normally, if possible, they choose an area with a solid floor for resting, so the draughts do not disturb them.
When the weather is hot, the resting area grows, because the animals increase their contact area with the floor and avoid contact with each other. Also, the pigs, due to their inability to sweat, show a tendency to wallow in their own faeces to try to control the scorching sensation. Under these conditions, the defecation and the resting areas tend to be the same. The area with the solid floor is the one chosen to defecate and rest.
If the slatted area is kept wet, the pigs will prefer to defecate there, and they will even take advantage of this area to cool themselves, keeping the resting area dry. This is very useful in case of a change of weather, because it will allow the pigs to have a dry and comfortable area to rest on.
If we stretch out a plastic pipe with micro sprinklers over the slatted area we can soak it several times a day.
With timers like the ones used for watering plants it is possible to automate the system easily modifying the length and frequency of the sprinkling periods depending on the needs.
The cleaning process is easier, as the defecation area is clearly defined and the faeces are always fresh and soaked.
We must not misuse this system so we avoid an excessive slurry production.
