Pig lairage

PIG LAIRAGE

Dimension of the pens 

    • Bacon and small porkers - 0.6 m2 /animal 
    • Heavy pigs                         - 0.74 m2 /animal 
  • Pig pens are constructed with solid walls.
  • Rails used should be stronger than required for sheep lairage 
  • The lower horizontal rails of the pen should not be more than 15 cm apart to prevent pigs putting their heads between the rails.
  • The pens are long and narrow to allow more pigs to rest against the walls. 
  • Automatic filling and emptying of the pens is achieved by controlled lifting/driving gates.
  • The system is said to improve welfare standards with reduction of damage due to fighting.
  • Two single files are employed in the race section where some manual assistance is required.
  • A fine water spray and/or litter in the lairage pens are useful means of reducing fighting among pigs, cooling them and reducing the incidence of pale, soft, exudative (PSE) pork.
Last modified: Wednesday, 12 October 2011, 4:37 AM