HOUSING & EQUIPMENT ▶▶▶
Retrofitting a sow barn – 8 ideas to consider
BY SYLVEN BLOUIN, ANIMAL WELFARE DIRECTOR, JYGA TECHNOLOGIES, CANADA
GESTATION Consumers and defense groups have put pressure on govern- ments – such as in Europe, Canada and California – and on producers’ associations to implement rules to enhance animal welfare. In swine production, the most significant change is from individual gestation to sow group gestation. This has a direct financial impact on producers. For newly constructed barns, group housing instead of stalls usually does not create any additional construction cost. On the contrary, the required investment is usually about the same or lower, depending on the type of feeding technology selected (less equipment). However, where a retrofit is done, the amount invested can quickly become exorbitant. Here are some strategies that should be analysed well if a retrofit is being considered.
1 Adjusting the sow inventory
Keeping the same inventory Many producers will analyse the option to expand
the gestation section in order to have enough space to meet the regulation spacing requirements without having to de- crease their herd inventory. In that case, the building design and the techniques used (herd and feeding) will dictate the amount to be invested. Plenty of feeding alternatives are available. Some will be more expensive at purchase (elec- tronic systems) but can help decrease future feeding costs. Therefore, it is imperative to analyse all the options.
Decreasing the herd inventory Some producers will decide to decrease their herd inventory to avoid expanding the building. The renovation cost will be decreased but a decrease in herd inventory means revenue will also decrease. For some, this is a potential solution if there is no succession, for example.
Increasing the herd inventory Others will increase their herd inventory significantly by us- ing the actual gestation crates for breeding crates. The new construction will therefore focus only on the group housing section and additional farrowing places. This is a great way to increase herd inventory at a lower cost per sow.
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Outside Europe, an increasing number of sow farms are switching to group housing for gestating sows. Retrofitting is an option, yet it is a long-term investment. Affordable options may not always be the best in the long run. What needs to be considered?
2 Keeping or changing floors
Keeping the floors and making compromises For new constructions (without equipment), the
flooring costs can be up to 20% of the total investment. What if the floor is still good? Pen design is easy when working with new flooring. However, if the previous floors are kept, com- promises are needed. Nobody wants dirty gestation pens with increased injury potential for animals. Some tips exist to reduce those risks. Keeping existing flooring is the cheapest solution. An animal welfare specialist could help determine the costs.
Changing the floors Sometimes it is best to invest while doing a construction/ retrofit so that sows/gilts can perform better. Producers have observed mortality in pens to be two to three times higher than with individual crates, mostly because of musculoskeletal problems.
Gestating sows in a retrofitted barn in Arkan- sas, USA.
PHOTOS: JYGA TECHNOLOGIES
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