2 Abferkelbucht - Netzwerk Fokus Tierwohl

	Foreword
1	Introduction
2	Farrowing pen
2.1	Farrowing pen – size
2.2	Farrowing pen – layout
2.3	Farrowing pen – floor design
2.3.1	Farrowing pen – Floor design: Lying comfort for the sow
2.3.2	Farrowing pen – Floor design: Slip resistance
2.4	Farrowing pen – Pen structure
2.5	Farrowing pen – Run-out area
3	Pen components
3.1	Pen elements – pen walls
3.2	Bay elements – Storage aids
3.3	Pen elements – troughs/drinking troughs for sows and piglets
3.4	Pen components – Piglet protection cage
3.5	Pen components – Cover for sow resting area
3.6	Pen components – Piglet nest
3.6.1	Pen elements – piglet nest: size and floor design
3.6.2	Pen elements – piglet nest: Position
3.6.3	Pen elements – piglet nest: Covering/walls
3.6.4	Pen elements – Piglet nest: Temperature in piglet nest
3.6.5	Pen elements – piglet nest: Piglet nest temperature control
3.6.6	Pen elements – piglet nest: Heat source
3.6.7	Pen elements – piglet nest: Heating the piglet nest
3.6.8	Pen elements – Piglet nest: Lighting
4.1	Organic material – enrichment material
4.2	Organic material – Manure removal and slurry technology
5.1	Climate – Creation of climate zones
5.2	Climate – Temperature regulation
6	Cleaning and Disinfection
	Bibliography

farrowing pen

Changing the farrowing system is a far-reaching decision that requires careful consideration. Should I invest in a free-range farrowing pen, or should I switch directly to free-range farrowing? The farrowing pen must be suited to the farm and the people working there. When converting an existing barn, the question arises as to how the pens can best be accommodated. What space is available for the sow and piglets? How much room does the sow have to move about? What is the most suitable arrangement for the farrowing nest, even when the farrowing crate is open, and where is there space to feed the piglets? Furthermore, when deciding on a pen, human factors should also be taken into account. What does the daily work with the pens involve? Is the farrowing crate easy to open and close? What about cleanliness, assistance during birth or occupational safety?²

In new buildings, planning the farrowing pen should begin with the design and layout of the pen areas. This then determines the length and width of the pen – not the other way round.^1,3 In older buildings, however, the existing pen geometry forms the basis for the design of the pens. In the case of conversions, the primary consideration must be the dimensions of the substructure (slurry channels).

For exercise pens, the following applies: the pen must be designed in such a way that it functions equally well whether the piglet protection cage is open or closed.

Practical experience

"Try out a few pen types before choosing a system → alongside the current pen system."

"Everyone should visit several farms beforehand and then choose a suitable solution; there isn’t one pen that suits all farms and sows."

"Allow time for selecting the right exercise pen"

"For new builds, choose the farrowing pen first and then plan the outer structure"

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farrowing pen

Practical experience