BPEX

Call: 02476 692051

Housing

Ventilation systems are intended to provide optimum living conditions for pigs. A well-managed, functioning, efficient ventilation system effectively draws fresh air into a building and removes stale air containing a proportion of microbes, dust, harmful gases and water vapour. Inefficient ventilation is detrimental to pig and staff performance (particularly on hot days) and costs more to run.

Ventilation Action for Productivity

Ventilation DVD

Pig unit ventilation is under the spotlight in a new DVD from BPEX. The aim is to help pig producers identify ventilation-related problems and, more importantly, provide practical solutions.

It is presented by John Chambers of J C Consulting, who has been trouble-shooting problems caused by poor ventilation for many years.

Ventilation systems are usually scrutinised when a new building is put up but they must also be regularly checked and maintained throughout the life of the building. On the DVD John Chambers explains what an effective pig unit ventilation system should do and how to maintain and run it. Importantly, it provides the information and advice to help producers assess their own units and make informed decisions about ventilation.

Key points to consider include:

  • The typical air flow within buildings and the problems that can result from where cold air lands
  • What does pig behaviour say about the current temperature/draughts?
  • Are building temperatures and outside temperatures monitored?
  • Should fans have louvers over them?
  • Ventilation requirements should be reviewed regularly, especially when building use or stocking level changes, for example when changing to a batch system

Copies of the DVD are available from BPEX regional Knowledge Transfer Managers or by e-mailing kt@bpex.org.uk or calling 02476 478793.

Investment in new buildings

The British pig industry is suffering from a lack of investment buildings, most particularly in nursery and grower/finisher accommodation. Consequently pig performance on many pig units is deteriorating, and leading to an increased cost of production.

The objective of the British Pig Project is to create a comprehensive and objective guide to improving production by investing/reinvesting in modern finisher buildings. The project is designed to benefit existing producers and contract growers, as well as potential new entrants to the industry.

A housing blueprint for the English pig industry has been produced and is available from the BPEX by calling 0247 647 8793 or emaiingl kt@bpex.org.uk.