Buildings
The English pig industry is suffering from a lack of investment buildings, most particularly in nursery and grower/finisher accommodation. Consequently pig performance on many pig units is deteriorating, leading to increased costs of production.
For detailed information on planning and development, building regulations, environmental impact assessments, permitted development, slurry stores, Best Available Techniques (BAT) and Agricultural Workers’ Dwellings visit the Environment hub.
Housing blueprint
The British Pig Project was designed to provide a comprehensive and objective guide to improving production by investing/reinvesting in modern finisher buildings. The project is designed to benefit existing producers and contract growers, as well as potential new entrants to the industry. The housing blueprint for the English pig industry is available from the BPEX by calling 0247 647 8793 or emailing [email protected].
Ventilation
Ventilation systems are intended to provide optimum living conditions for pigs. A well-managed, functioning, efficient ventilation system effectively draws fresh air into a building and removes stale air containing a proportion of microbes, dust, harmful gases and water vapour. Inefficient ventilation is detrimental to pig and staff performance (particularly on hot days) and costs more to run.
A DVD has been produced by BPEX to help pig producers identify ventilation-related problems and, more importantly, provide practical solutions. It is presented by John Chambers of J C Consulting, who has been trouble-shooting problems caused by poor ventilation for many years. To request a copy (free of charge to English levy payers) contact BPEX: 0247 647 8793 or [email protected].