Articles - Facilities and equipment

The relatively short but very intense lactation period is undoubtedly a key phase in pig production for both sows and piglets. The fragility of the piglets and the significant demands that sows face at this stage make early detection of problems essential. Do we understand what the animals are telling us?

Biorefineries have the potential to add value to organic matter, nutrients, and water from livestock manure.

A study conducted by IFIP (France) has compared three sensor methods based on near infrared spectrometry (NIRS), electrical conductivity and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometry.

This is how to assemble an "emergency" ramp using the insulation panels left over from the construction of the nursery.

Analyzing the swine industry's life cycle and implementing sustainable measures from feeding to processing drives a change towards a more environmentally friendly industry and better animal welfare.

To identify the keys to success in managing sows in breed and release systems, France's Chamber of Agriculture of the Brittany Region surveyed farmers who implemented this system. The results identified three strategies that producers use the week after weaning.

The overall risk of a PRRS outbreak is 12 times higher during the first 15 days after pumping manure than the rest of the year.

This concept lies between conventional and organic swine production and focuses on sustainability, animal welfare, and economic efficiency.

How do ambient temperatures below thermoneutrality affect pig performance and environmental efficiency?

This tip involves using an aluminum panel to close the aisles during heat checking.

How to adapt a normal pen to the specific needs of weaned piglets.

Fly control should not be limited to the summer months, as it plays a significant role in disease transmission and the well-being of people and animals.

Development of pig production towards large integrators and the spread of highly lethal diseases, such as ASF, have led to increased focus on biosecurity and methods to protect the assets associated with large pig units.

It is a matter of considering animal welfare, workplace ergonomics, respect for the environment, and societal expectations.

Scheduling certain tasks, monitoring spare parts stock, checking electrical elements - what does proper maintenance management consist of?

Since 1998, IFIP has had an experimental farm located in Romillé, Brittany, France, which allows them to run all types of trials at all stages of production.

Straw is the best enrichment material to meet pigs' needs. How can we provide it?

This farmer's solution mitigates the effect of wind blowing through the windows, whether we have mechanical or natural ventilation.

The evolution of multi-site pig production over the last 25 years has not held true to its original intent.

What can we do to face the challenges in the industry? Innovate, research, and bring science closer to the field.

Many farm design parameters have changed. Animal welfare has become even more important and genetic evolution has resulted in productive variation between breeds.

The application of BATs to optimize the management of slurry inside the barns means increasing the frequency of emptying the pits to the outside storage.

Today's swine industry depends on a supply of properly balanced feed, the quality and safety of which are critical to pig health, welfare, and maximum productive performance.

Eight years ago, Granja Capdevila Torrent Ramaders started up its biogas production plant using co-digestion and is now an example of economic viability and sustainability.