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Effects of Adaptation of a Solid-Floor Farrowing Facility Utilizing Elevated Farrowing Crates¹

University of Georgia, Athens 30602

Abstract

An existing 23-yr-old farrowing barn, with a solid concrete floor and 12 farrowing crates (1.5 x 2.1 m) was modified by replacing six of the existing crates with six new crates of the same design but elevated 40 cm above the floor. The new farrowing crates were mounted on precast concrete slats (1.4 x 2.4 m) with a 53 x 94 cm expanded metal insert at the rear of the slats and 27 x 229 cm plastic-coated expanded metal inserts on both sides of the sow. Three replicate studies with seven to 12 sows each were conducted and normal management procedures were followed. Litter traits measured and compared included survival rate to 21 d, 21 d litter wt, labor used in cleaning and bedding, pen cleanliness score, pen temperature and knee abrasion scores. Individual pig survival, 21 d wt and knee abrasion score also were recorded. Elevated crates had a significantly desirable effect on number of pigs weaned, pen cleanliness scores and knee abrasion scores. Litter performance in elevated crates vs solid floor for survival percentage and litter 21 d wt was 93.4 vs 85.9% and 44.6 vs 39.9 kg, respectively (P>.05). The pens of elevated crates were cleaner (P<.05) than the pens on the solid floor. This advantage in pen cleanliness was seen in the first, second and third wk of lactation. Less severe (P<.01) knee abrasions were observed on pigs in elevated pens compared with those in solid floor pens. Also, there were no significant differences in pen temperature. The labor required to clean and bed the pens was reduced (P<.01) in the elevated crates with a labor of savings of over 8 min pen^–1.d^–1.

¹ This research was supported by State and Hatch funds allocated to the Georgia Agr. Exp. Sta.

² Dept. of Anim. and Dairy Sci.

³ Ext. Anim. Sci. Dept.