Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Proper housing is fundamental to the welfare, health, and productivity of livestock. In swine production, inadequate housing can lead to stress, disease outbreaks, reduced reproductive performance, and ultimately, economic losses. The National Livestock Mission (NLM), launched in 2014, recognizes the importance of improved livestock infrastructure, including housing. This response details the specific housing requirements for a group of 10 sows, a boar, and their followers (piglets), considering their distinct needs and developmental stages. Understanding these requirements is crucial for sustainable and efficient pig farming.
Housing Requirements for Sows, Boar, and Followers
General Considerations
- Space Allocation: Adequate space is crucial to prevent aggression and injuries. Overcrowding increases stress and disease risk.
- Ventilation: Effective ventilation removes ammonia, moisture, and dust, ensuring good air quality and reducing respiratory problems.
- Temperature Control: Pigs are sensitive to temperature extremes. Ideal temperatures for sows are 18-24°C, while piglets require warmer environments (32-34°C).
- Hygiene: Regular cleaning and disinfection are essential to minimize disease spread.
- Biosecurity: Strict biosecurity measures, including foot baths and visitor protocols, must be in place.
Sow Housing (10 Sows)
- Individual Pens: Ideal for pregnant sows to minimize stress and aggression, particularly during late gestation. Each sow needs a minimum of 2.5 - 3 square meters.
- Group Housing (Alternative): If individual pens are not feasible, a well-managed group housing system with ample space (at least 4 square meters per sow) and enrichment activities is acceptable.
- Feeding Space: Sufficient feeding and watering space for all sows to avoid competition.
- Bedding: Comfortable bedding (straw, wood shavings) to reduce stress and improve hygiene.
Boar Housing (1 Boar)
- Separate Pen: The boar should be housed in a separate pen to prevent constant harassment of the sows.
- Size: Minimum 4-6 square meters.
- Flooring: Solid flooring is preferred to prevent lameness.
- Enrichment: Provide enrichment like toys or scratching posts to prevent boredom and aggression.
Follower (Piglet) Housing
- Farrowing Crate (Initially): For the first few days after birth, piglets are often housed in a farrowing crate to protect them from the sow.
- Creep Area: A designated "creep area" within the sow’s pen, providing piglets with access to starter feed and water.
- Weaning Pens: After weaning (typically at 4-6 weeks), piglets are moved to separate weaning pens based on litter size and weight.
- Temperature Control: Piglets require supplemental heat, often provided by heat lamps or radiant heaters.
Segregation and Management
- Gestation Segregation: Pregnant sows should be segregated by stage of gestation to prevent aggression.
- Disease Management: Sick or injured animals should be immediately isolated to prevent disease spread.
- Waste Management: Proper manure handling and disposal to prevent odor and environmental pollution.
| Animal Category | Minimum Space (sq. meters) |
|---|---|
| Sow (Individual Pen) | 2.5 - 3 |
| Sow (Group Housing) | 4+ |
| Boar | 4 - 6 |
| Piglet (Creep Area) | N/A (within sow’s pen) |
Conclusion
Providing appropriate housing for sows, a boar, and their followers is vital for the welfare of these animals, ensuring optimal growth, reproduction, and overall productivity. The principles of adequate space, proper ventilation, temperature control, and rigorous hygiene practices are paramount. Investing in well-designed and managed housing systems aligns with the principles of sustainable pig farming and contributes to food security. Future advancements should focus on exploring alternative housing systems like pasture-raised pig farming, addressing concerns regarding animal welfare and environmental impact.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.