Archive Article: 2001/10/26
WEANER housing boxes made from recycled lorry containers are proving a popular, cost effective means of expanding or updating flat-deck housing for weaner pigs.
Two recycled container weaner boxes were recently installed at Harper Adams University College farm, says Alan Stewart, who manages the 110-sow pig unit. "They were about half the cost of putting up a new flat deck building."
The aluminium-clad walls of the converted container are well insulated and coated with fibreglass on the inside to eliminate crevices and allow easy cleaning. Floors are slatted with a built-in 0.5m (1.5ft) deep tank underneath to hold slurry.
Boxes have electric heating and adequate ventilation systems, including windows, to allow air temperature and ventilation rates to be controlled automatically, adds Mr Stewart.
Each unit is normally available with two rooms providing space for up to 100 weaner pigs and they are easily installed on top of concrete blocks. They only require connection for water and electricity.
The boxes installed at the college were designed with seven pens holding about seven pigs each, which is ideal for trial work, explains Mr Stewart.
Have you a tip that could save time or money to share with fellow dairy, sheep, beef or pig producers?
If so, write a brief description and send it to Livestock Tips at farmers weekly, Quadrant House, Sutton, Surrey, SM2 5AS, and you could receive £50, if it is printed in this column.