Thompson's tip: Dangers of fluctuating winter temperatures
It is important to position thermometers in a representative area of the house. Passageways under air inlets may not reflect temperatures experienced at pig level.
Page 47 of articles about facilities-equipment
Netherlands: No limit to giant factory farm size
The cabinet has no plans to introduce a maximum size for factory farms and there are so few at the moment there is no need for the government to intervene, junior environment minister Henk Bleker told parliament on Wednesday.
Genetic and environmental effects on piglet survival and maternal behaviour of the farrowing sow
One of the key components of survival in alternative, loose-housed farrowing systems is maternal behaviour and understanding the characteristics of sows that influence survival in such environments should be an essential component when developing new breeding indices.
Filtration systems on commercial sow farms: Technical definitions and application strategies
In high-density swine regions of North America, air filtration is playing an important role in the effort to maintain PRRS free commercial sow herds
Warms water in winter
Sub-zero conditions last winter caused huge problems for pig farmers due to drinking systems freezing up, particularly in straw-based housing.
Thermal control of piglets in the farrowing pen (IV)
In this chapter we will consider the benefits of closed nests and the importance of temperature regulation according to the age of the piglets.
Thompson's tip: Lighten up for breeding sows
He points out that it is also important to ensure the weaned sow and service area is well lit, i.e. to an intensity of at least 200 lux and on a 16-hour light, 8-hour dark pattern.
Thermal control of piglets in the farrowing pen (III)
In this chapter we will take a look at the use of heat lamps and how to distribute heat inside the pen.
Thermal control of piglets in the farrowing pen (II)
In this chapter we will discuss the benefits of heating mats
ARM to distribute Big Wheel feeders
Staffordshire-based ARM Buildings have taken over the sole UK distributorship for the popular Osborne Big Wheel range of pig feeders, following the retirement of Terry Cross, who previously distributed these feeders.
EFSA - Preparatory work for the future assessing of pig's welfare (II)
Preparatory work for the future development of animal based measures for assessing the welfare of weaned, growing and fattening pigs including aspects related to space allowance, floor types, tail biting and need for tail docking.
Foundations for optimizing lactation
The milk production of sows is one of the parameters that has evolved the most over the last several decades.
Visit a Fifth Generation Family Farm
George Beattie settled his farm near Sumner, Nebraska, in 1906. Today, the farm is in the hands of father and son, Jeff and Bart Beattie. This generation - fourth and fifth - run the hog farm according to the values and traditions passed down from great-grandfather and grandfather.
European Union - Statistics on the food chain: From farm to fork
An Eurostat overview shows that there were just over 48 million people employed within the EU27’s food chain in 2008, equivalent to more than a fifth of total employment.
USA - Grants extended to improve animal welfare
Animal Welfare Approved (AWA) has announced a call for proposals for its 2011-2012 Good Husbandry Grants. The Good Husbandry Grants program has funded nearly 100 projects across the country to improve farm animal welfare.
The effects of housing system and feeding level on the joint-specific prevalence of osteochondrosis in fattening pigs
Osteochondrosis prevalence can be reduced by applying deep litter floors with extra space allowance and/or restricted feeding in fattening pigs.