Ansc-exer.-6.docx

IV. Questions 1. Why is elevated and slatted flooring commonly recommended particularly for young pigs? What are the benefits of such in cleaning, health and comfort of hogs? -Because flooring must be smooth but not slippery and designed, constructed and maintained so as not to cause injury or suffering to pigs standing or bedding on it. Flooring must be suitable for the size and weight of pigs and, where no bedding is provided, must form a rigid, even and stable surface. -The benefits are it is easy to wash and dry ,achieves best separation between pigs and faeces,quick drying times,impermeable,more expensive than most flooring,can lead to sole bruising and abrasion on knees in piglets, provides a dedicated (solid) lying area,better drainage in farrowing pens than solid flooring,solid area can quickly become messy if ventilation is not optimal or airflow is incorrect, as pigs will dung in the wrong area,pigs tend to have more lesions than those housed on solid floors but fewer than those on fully slatted floors 2. In planning to construct housing for swine, what environmental factors and equipment should be considered? a. Site selection The first step in putting up or expanding a piggery project is the selection of the site. It is important to consider the following during selection: 1. Availability and accessibility of essential services such as feed suppliers or stores, water and electricity sources. 2. The surroundings should be suitable for construction of drainage and manure disposal, thus there should be ample distance from neighbors and other farms. The site should comply with local policies like-coning and environmental considerations. 3. The possibility of expansion should also be considered. b. Zoning and Permits Check out local zoning laws and regulations for a proposed location. If it is zoned other man agriculture, study the situation carefully before building the pig pen or pig house. Secure all required permits such as building, environmental and other permits required by the government before constructing. c. Accessibility Check the availability and cost of feeds, water and electricity. Water source should be able to supply for the peak demands and for future expansion. Keep in mind that water demand is thrice the weight of feed consumed plus wastage (15%) and water for cleaning (30%). If high

electricity demand is anticipated, a standby generator can also be considered. A farm to market road should also be accessible to facilitate the transport of feeds and pigs throughout the year. d. Distance from other farms Ideal distance from other farms and neighbors is about one kilometer. This will serve as a natural screen in the prevention of diseases- Distance from the neighbors will prevent complaints regarding pig odors, flies, noise and pollution.

3. Why is waste management given emphasis especially in large scale operation? - Because of so many large-scale pig farms the problem of proper animal waste disposal is now a real issue. Traditionally the usual practice in the Carolinas has been to store pig faeces and urine in large open air lagoons, which were basically big holding ponds. The waste was later spayed onto arable land as organic fertiliser, but in a situation where the farming is now based on pigs, more pigs and virtually nothing else, disposing of this waste becomes a big problem.

4. Why are hogs more sensitive to extremes in temperature than other farm animals? -Because most animals can transfer internal heat to the outside of the body by sweating and panting these are the two most important tools for the maintenance of body temperature and form their inbuilt evaporative cooling system.However, pigs do not sweat and have relatively small lungs. Due to these physiological limitations and their relatively thick subcutaneous fat, pigs are prone to heat stress. The two obvious symptoms observed when pigs are exposed to heat stress are increased respiration rate and loss of appetite. The latter reduces internal heat production. If heat stress continues, pigs start to drink excessive amounts of water (increasing loss of electrolytes) and accumulate acids produced within the body (causing a loss of acid/base balance). This may eventually result in diarrhoea or death in severe cases.