Tips on preparing your pig unit for winter

While it has been unseasonably warm, winter is coming. And as the saying goes, failing to prepare is preparing to fail.

By making sure you are prepared, you will be in a better position to optimise the environment for your pigs while saving money at the same time.

In this article, AHDB’s Patrick Loten, a knowledge exchange manager for the south of England, shares his recommendations and top tips for preparing pig buildings and paddocks for inclement weather.

See also: One week’s supply of pigs missing by Christmas

Indoor pig units

Water supplies

First and foremost, make sure you have an alternative source and method of watering your pigs should pipes freeze or burst. This could be via a bowser and hose filling troughs in buildings or individual pens.

A lack of water will affect daily liveweight gain and feed efficiency, which will, in turn, impact your cost of production. It could also trigger vice, such as tail biting.

Where possible, bury pipes to reduce the likelihood of them freezing. Where this is not practical, make sure pipe lagging is intact (replace any that is worse for wear) and consider using pipe heating tape.

Ensure pressure washers are protected from frost. They are an expensive piece of equipment and can be rendered totally unusable by sub-zero temperatures.

Consider keeping pipes and hoses in the farrowing shed overnight.

Buildings, ventilation and draughts

Poor ventilation and draughts may also result in vice. It is important to make sure there are not any draughty corners or cold spots in your buildings.

Check for any tell-tale signs of draughts or poor insulation, such as lines of dust, damp patches or huddling pigs.

If pigs are cold, they will use energy trying to keep warm, and this will have a negative impact on feed conversion.

To prevent heat from escaping unnecessarily, remember to close doors and repair any broken windows and poorly fitting doors.

Some simple methods of reducing draughts in buildings include stacking bales at the end of buildings and stapling old feed bags to Yorkshire boarding.

However, if you do implement any temporary measures, talk to your building manufacturer to make sure there is still enough airflow.

Check that temperature sensors are working by submerging them in warm water (if they are waterproof) and comparing the reading with that from a thermometer.

Protect inlets, so that snow does not block them, and clean shutters and fan shafts – this will help them to run more efficiently.

If you use heat pads or lamps, now is also a good time to give them a once-over and ensure they are running as they should.

Ensure controlled ventilation units have been serviced and are working properly and make sure you have updated the system with the correct number of pigs in the room.

Other considerations

Depending on what part of the country you are in, it is advisable to carry at least a week’s supply of food in case of snow or bad weather. Carry out a visual check of all feed bins to make sure they are watertight.

If you have a generator, is it full of fuel, and has it been serviced recently? You will need this in good working order in case there are power cuts; run and test it before you need it.

Outdoor pig units

Water supplies

Now is also a good time to clean water troughs to remove mud and stones; it will be much more difficult to do if they freeze.

While you are doing this, consider fitting water trough valves with a device to reduce the chances of freezing.

If water pipes are above ground, try to make sure they are exposed to as much sunshine as possible to help prevent them from freezing and increase thawing if they do.

If you can, fit pipes with large diameters to minimise the chance of them freezing in the first place. 

Accommodation, artificial insemination and medication

It might be more difficult to eliminate draughts on outdoor units, but you can still take steps to reduce the impact of wet, cold and windy weather.

Make sure dry sow huts are kept well-strawed and that they are facing the correct way to avoid the prevailing wind.

Farrowing huts need to be dry and warm as newborn piglets can quickly become chilled and hypothermic. Keep an eye on straw levels and repair any damaged huts as soon as possible.

If you are using artificial insemination, be extra careful with semen doses during cold weather. Ensure it is stored, transported and maintained at 17C to prevent cold shock and damage, rendering it useless.

Similarly, be careful that medication and vaccines are stored at the correct temperature and that they are not allowed to freeze.

Other considerations

Assess feed levels during cold weather and increase them, if necessary. Seek advice from your nutritionist regarding the correct feed levels for different stages of production.

Be prepared to take feed to your pigs in harsh weather, as they are less likely to leave their huts if the ground is flooded, frozen or covered in snow.

Prepare for frozen roads and tracks. Carry salt in your vehicles and make sure you have chains or straps with you in case you need to be towed or tow other stranded vehicles.

If practical, keep tractors and vehicles under cover overnight to avoid them sitting for long periods in extremely low temperatures, which could cause diesel to gel.

If this occurs, the diesel won’t be able to be pumped through fuel lines or filters until the temperature rises above the gel point.

Finally, have to hand the correct clothing for the conditions – that goes for you and your team.

Do not get caught without appropriate waterproofs, footwear, hats, and gloves; it will make jobs more manageable and help keep your team happy.

A heated staffroom will also be appreciated – set the heating on a timer to save money.

• For more information and guidance about housing, lighting and ventilation requirements, visit the AHDB’s website.
• AHDB’s weather hub brings together sources of weather and related data. Check for weather warnings in your area to help you prepare for the onset of extreme weather.