Swine Housing

Housing-Different methods-Equipments-wallowing

1. SWINE HOUSING. S.THAMIZHARASI GVM/19- 005. LPM – 603 SWINE PRODUCITON AND MANAGEMENT .

2.  It is the raising and breeding of domestic pigs as livestock. Pigs are farmed principally for food(e.g. pork, bacon, gammon) and skins. They were valued as a source of meat and fat, and for their ability to convert inedible food into meat, and were often fed household food waste when kept on a homestead. Pigs have been farmed to dispose of municipal garbage on a large scale. PIG FARMING

3. Pigs are amenable to many different styles of farming :  Extensive farming . Semi intensive farming . Intensive farming. Integrated pig farming.

4. Two type of housing are generally built depending on climatic conditions and topography. In temperate climate, closed housing is required. In tropics, loose housing which is also called open housing is recommended .

5. EXTENSIVE SYSTEM :

6. Advantages: Cheapest method of rearing. Less labour as daily cleansing is not required. Availability of plenty of sunshine. Freedom of movement. Benefit of exercise . Disadvantages: Pigs get no balanced feed. Controlled breeding not possible. Insanitary conditions. More chances of diseases. High mortality rate.

7. Exposure to adverse weather. Reduced growth rate. Lack of care to pregnant and lactating sows. More area requirement. Prone to parasitic diseases . Low profit .

8. SEMI – INTENSIVE SYSTEM :

9. Advantages : Cheaper than indoor system . Enough sunlight and fresh air. More area for exercise. Disadvantages : High initial investment . Scientific knowledge of rearing is essential . More labour . Restricted exercise.

10. . INTENSIVE SYSTEM :

11. Advantages of intensive system: Better care as per requirements of pigs Proper controlled breeding possible Better sanitation Disease occurrence minimized Less mortality Better growth rate Better care and supervision Parasitic infection minimized Less area needed Controlled weather conditions Balanced feeding possible More profitable

12. INTEGRATED FARMING :

13. The fish utilize the food spilled by pigs and their excreta which is very rich in nutrients. The pig dung acts as a substitute for pond fertilizer and supplementary fish feed. Hence, the cost of fish production is greatly reduced. No additional land is required for piggery operations. Pond provides water for washing the pig - sties and pigs. It results in high production of animal protein per unit area. It ensures high profit through less investment. The pond muck which gets accumulated at the pond bottom due to constant application of pig dung can be used as fertilizer for growing vegetables and other crops and cattle fodder.

14. Housing management of pigs is important as the immediate vicinity to which they are affected the most are its housing only. A pig whether standing or in recumbent condition it is in direct contact with one of the component of housing i.e floor or wall. Same type of housing or design cannot be recommended for all the regions of India which is harbouring diverse climatic condition.

15. Boars, pregnant and dry sows, gilts and growing pigs are usually kept in open yards with partially sheltered area. Farrowing sows - completely enclosed houses or pens. Individual or group housing in cages made up of vertical G.I. pipes/M S rods . Farrowing crates can be adopted in large high-tech farms. Uncastrated males and females should not be housed together beyond the age of four months. Commercially, large-scale swine producers raise pigs indoors in very large, climate-controlled buildings.

16. Fair Oaks Farm.

17. The site should be at an elevated place that cannot be flooded by rain water. The site should be protected from the sun (shade from trees) and have ample fresh air . Site should be such that the structure could be oriented east to west . Away from residences (around 8-10 meter away downwind). In case of a large-scale pig farm, the site selected needs also to be: well connected to roads throughout the year,Suitable for manure disposal, connected to reliable water and electricity sources. Selection of housing locations :

18. It should be free from pollution. It should be closer to veterinary aid. Select a pig farming location in areas where enough labourers are available. It is better to be close to any town which can make marketing of pigs easy. Cont,..

19. Construct a shelter that can protect pigs from adverse climatic conditions, to prevent diseases, to control parasites and to protect from external predators. The pig house should have good cross-ventilation and air-flow. Build separate pens for boar, farrowing , dry sow and weaner . House flooring can be covered with straw or paddy husk to keep the pigs warmer in winters . Shelter Requirements.

20. Use heat lamp in extremely cold winters. In summer times, sprinkle the water on the roof and cover with any cooling material. Keep the pig house always clean and dry. The house floor should be built with a rough surface. Make proper draining channels to dispose of any effluents. You can build 3-meter x 3-meter pens under village conditions .

21. Housing walls should be 4 feet to 5 feet high from the ground. Guard rails and creep space should be provided for the piglets in any corner of the house. Provide shade in prolonged sunshine conditions as pigs can be overheated. Ensure availability of clean water in the house. Disinfect the pens especially when keeping the pregnant pigs.

22. DIMENSIONS AND AREAS OF VARIOUS TYPES OF PIG PENS : Units Stocking density Low Medium High Farrowing / Suckling pen Resting area, if weaner pens are not used Sq.m/pig 10 7.5 6.0 Resting area, if weaner pens are used Sq.m/pig 8 6 5 Manure alley width m/pig 1.7 1.5 1.3 Farrowing pen Sq.m /pig ----- 4.5 4.0 Farrowing crate, length excluding trough m/ pig 2.0 2.0 2.0

23. Width depending on size of sow of farrowing crate m/pig 0.65-0.75 0.6-0.7 0.55-0.65 Free space behind the crate m/pig 0.4 0.35 0.3 Piglet creep(including resting area ) Sq.m/pig 2.0 1.5 1.0 BOAR PEN Pen with yard Resting area (shaded ) 2.Yard area ( paved) Sq.m/pig Sq.m/pig 6 12 5 10 4.5 8 Pen with out yard Sq.m/pig 9 8 7

24. Gestating sow pens in groups of 5-10 sows 1.loose resting area ( shaded ) Yard area ( paved ) Feeding stalls, depth* width Sq.m/pig Sq.m /pig m/ pig 2 3.5 2*0.6 1.5 3.0 1.8* 0.55 1.1 2.5 1.7* 0.5 2.indivudual stalls with access to manure alley , length of the stalls excluding trough Width of stalls Width of the manure alley m m m 2.2 0.65-0.75 1.5 2.1 0.6-0.7 1.4 2.0 0.55-0.65 1.3 Confined in individual m 2.2*0.70 2.1*0.65 2*0.6

25. WEANER PEN ( to 25 kg or 12 weeks ) Low Medium High Resting area excluding trough m ²/ pig 0.35 0.3 0.25 Manure alley width m 1 1 1 GROWING PEN ( to 40 kg or 17 weeks ) Resting area excluding trough m ²/ pig 0.5 0.45 0.40 Manure alley width m 1.1 1.1 1.1

26. FINISHING PEN, RESTING AREA EXCL. TROUGH For porkers upto 60 kgs or 21 kgs m ²/ pig 0.7 0.6 0.5 For baconers to 90 kg or 27 wks m ²/ pig 0.9 0.75 0.60 For heavy hog to 120 kgs or 33wks m ²/ pig 1.0 0.85 0.70 Manure alley width m 1.2-1.4 1.2-1.3 1.2

27. HOUSING LAYOUT

28. PIG FARROWING PEN :

29. Two and Three Building system

30. All in one/Birth market building system.

31. Floor - Concrete floor should be laid on a good foundation and will need to be 5-6 cm thick . It should be hard and impervious to water and easy to clean and the floor should be laid with concrete and slope towards the drainage.

32.   Space requirement of pigs as per ISI standard: Type of animal Floor space requirement (m2/animal) Maximum number of animals /pen. Covered area Open paddock Boar 6-7 8.8 - 12 Individual pens Farrowing pen 7 -9 8.8 - 12 Individual pens Fattener (3-5 mths ) 0.9-1.2 0.9-1.2 30 Fattener (Above 5 mths ) 1.3 – 1.8 1.3 – 1.8 30 Dry sow/Gilt 1.8-2.7 1.4 – 1.8 3-10

33. Generally, the floor of the sty is made up of wooden planks with a gap of 1-2 inch in between them so that the excreta directly fall down on the ground and do not accumulate under sty preventing health hazard to pigs. The floor of sty in front side is kept at least one foot high from the ground so that feeding and other management is easy. Floor should be kept rough to prevent pig from falling and get injured.

34. Description Space (m²/pig) Growing pigs; up to 10 kg 0.14 11-20 kg 0.22 21-40 kg 0.36 41-60 kg 0.47 61-80 kg 0.57 81-100 kg 0.66 Sows (in crates) and litters 3.2 Adult sows in stalls 0.6 m x 2.2 m Adult boars in stalls 0.7 m x 2.4 m Minimum floor space requirements for all surface types except deep litter

35. ROOF - The roof may be RCC flat type or gable roof. Materials for roofing may be asbestos cement sheets or corrugated steel sheets.In the regions of extreme climatic conditions, the roof may be insulated by providing a layer of thatching to reduce severity of the heat inside the pig sty.

36. In climates where a clear sky predominates , a high building of 3m, or more, under the eaves, gives more efficient shade than a low building. A wide roof overhang is necessary to ensure shade and to protect the animals from rain. Materials like aluminium can be used as they reflect heat well as long as they are not too oxidized.

37. Door - The number of doors provided in each sty shall depends on the dimensions of the house.Door made up of iron angle and the width of the individual door to individual pen may range from 0.75 – 1.00 m. The doors should be fitted without any gap to the floor up to the height of 2-3 ft.

38. Drainage - Each pig sty shall be provided with atleast one drain on each pig pen.The drain shall have a minimum width of 250 mm and a slope of 25 mm.

39. Height of the wall should be 4 feet above the floor. Brick and concrete can be used up to height of 3 ft. from floor and 1 ft. Can be made up of wood or the railing of pipe. Walls should be smooth otherwise it may injure the animal. Wooden or bamboo walls are cheaper, but less durable. In this case, the pillars are made up of wooden logs or cement. In side walls, the bamboo or wood is fixed in such a way that enough gap exists between them to allow sufficient ventilation. Corners of the wall should be rounded to ease cleaning. Walls

40. WINDOWS: The size of the window should be such that it can provide cross ventilation and sun light to the sty . GUARD RAILS : It should be made of galvanized iron pipes (2 inch diameter) which may be fitted about 8-10 inches away from the walls of the farrowing pen in order to prevent crushing of piglets. CENTRAL PASSAGE : The central way should be constructed in such a way that the carrying of goods by labourers is easy. Regular cleaning of central passage should be undertaken. The wall of the central passage should also be inclined.

41. Hog Watering : Because pigs don’t sweat, access to lots of fresh water is important to help keep them cool. From drinking cups and bowls, to hose fittings designed to fit the mouths of sows and piglets. Transmitters are also available to keep track of water consumption to help with monitoring costs. HOUSING EQUIPMENTS

42. Pig Feeding :Automatic feeders are available to help the pig maintain a healthy diet. Troughs can be used in instances. Feeding carts are available to walk the feed to the pigs. Feeding mats are also available to keep food from falling through holes in the floor.

43. There should not be any wastage of feed so the trough should be made of concrete and with tough walls. A trough space of 2.5 feet length for each pig is sufficient for proper feeding without scrambling and fighting. Galvanized sheet feeding troughs are also available.

44. Heat Lamps : There are many heat lamp and brooder options available to keep the pigs warm during winter. Heating pads are also available to give the pigs a warm place to walk and rest also helps in keeping new piglets safe.

45. Cleaning Supplies : There are a variety of options available when it comes to cleaning supplies. Respirators and gloves can help keep the farmer clean and from breathing in any airborne sicknesses. Pressure washers can be ideal to wash hard to reach areas and clean off hardened messes.

46. 1.Phenols and related compounds: Phenols are bactericidal and fungicidal. Cresol Lysol Synthetic phenolic disinfectant( chloroxylenol ). 2. Alcohols: Glycols are active in aerosal forms and are vviridical . Ethyl alcohol(about 70%) are effective against bacterial flora of skin . 3. Halogens : i.Chlorine compounds: Sterilizing farm utensils. These are bactericidal. 5% sodium hypochlorite 5% calcium hypochlorite .

47. 4.Iodine : Powerful germicide and effective against vegetative organisms, spores, bacteria, virus, fungus etc. Sodium carbonate is used effectively against FMD virus , fowlpox etc. Sodium hydroxide is more effective against viruses and gram positive bacteria. Ammonia : Effective agent for the destruction of coccidial oocyst in 10% aqueous solution. Quaternary ammonium compounds. Quick lime ( CaO ) . Slacked lime ( CaOH ). Gaseous and aerial fumigation : Formaldehyde : Detrimental to bacteria and spores even in presence of organic matter.

48. Crates : When it comes to having the pigs tagged or checked for veterinary purposes, crates can help keep the animals safe and secure.

49. Fencing : Pigs are natural foragers and like to explore the land for things to eat. To ensure they don’t get too far away, fencing options can keep the pigs secure and safe from outside predators .

50. Ear notching pliers : These special pliers are used to cut v-shaped notches from baby pigs’ ears for identification purposes. Scoop shovel / pitchfork : These are handy items for cleaning pens and removing manure Wheelbarrow : A handy tool for transferring manure from a pen to manure storage area Pig snare : A pig snare is a device that loops around the pig’s upper jaw and holds it still while you perform necessary management practices .

51. Medication storage area : Some medications and nearly all vaccines must be refrigerated or they quickly lose effectiveness. Side-cutting pliers : Baby pigs are born with eight sharp teeth. These teeth can cause scratches and cuts to the sow’s udder. the tips of these teeth are made blunt using side-cutting pliers.

52. Many diseases can affect the health of pigs. Some are caused by micro-organisms, which normally inhabit the pig's gut and, therefore, are also present in manure. In unhygienic sheds, these organisms can infect pigs via dung or airborne dust particles. Pig sheds that have effluent channels, where manure is submerged in water within the channels, can reduce dust, odour and airborne bacteria levels. HYGIENE :

53. A swine disease prevention strategy should be a common practice for all swine farmers.It is a combination of: Good herd management practices. Careful observation. Quarantining. Feed them healthy. Maintaining health and hygiene. Providing a clean environment for the animals.

54. Pigs lack functional sweat glands and are almost incapable of panting. To thermoregulate , they rely on wallowing in water or mud to cool the body. Adult pigs under natural or free-range conditions can often be seen to wallow when air temperature exceeds 20 °C. Mud is the preferred substrate; after wallowing, the wet mud provides a cooling, and probably protecting, layer on the body. Although temperature regulation seems to be the main motivation for wallowing in pigs, they will still wallow in colder weather. WALLOWING

55. Wallowing tank may be provided in pig breeding farm suited to zones.The wallowing tank made of cement concrete and dimension of the tank is less than 2.5 m x 1.2 m x 0.15 m. Alternatively overhead sprinklers and showers may be provided in order to keep the animals cool during summer.

56. Handbook of pig husbandry by Anubrata das , M.K.Tamuli ,Mohan . Farm Animals and their management by James stewatson,Wattie J .Mills . ICAR Handbook on animal husbandry. Commercial pig farming project report. agritech.tnau.ac.in/animal husbandry extension.psu.edu/swine daf.qld.gov.au/pig production thepigsty.com agropedia . REFERENCES