Low Cost Facilities For Livestock

Low-cost facilities for livestock PIG HOUSE MADE FROM A USED FREIGHT CONTAINER Location: Taiwan R.O.C.

Technical description A used freight container is installed with a fan, watering system, illuminating lamp and air conditioner. The floor is slatted to help maintain cleanliness of the floor. Windows are installed on the surrounding wall for good ventilation. (See Fig. 1).

Uses and merits Conventional weaner pig houses in the temperate climate of Taiwan have the disadvantage of fluctuating temperataures which can cause diarrhea in the weaners. The closed system can stabilize the inner temperature of the weaner pig house. This pig house made from a used freight container can thus be a way of recycling used containers. The pig house can help prevent heat stress in boars which may affect semen production. It can be adopted for segregated early weaning, and can increase the survival rate of weaners. The closed and sanitary system can prevent disease infection between pig houses.

Expert’s comments It seems that the container pig house is not suitable for growing-finishing pigs. Also, the farmer must keep the house clean all the time. It should not be used in the tropics because of the high temperatures.

Fig. 1.

Pig house made from a used freight container 1

INFRAED HEATING LAMP FOR WEANERS Location: Taiwan, R.O.C.

Technical description The far infrared heating lamp is used as a substitute for the traditiional mercury light bulg. The heater also uses a voltage modulator (See Fig. 2).

Uses and merits The traditional mercury light bulb can cause environmental pollution when broken light bulbs are discarded. The heater can modulate itself to keep the temperature at a constant level. The farmer does not need to regulate the height of the lamp when the temperature goes up or down. The heating hamp can be operated easily and safely. The far infrared heater is also more energy efficient than the traditional light bulb.

Reservations on its use Although the heating lamp is self-regulated, it is critical that the weaner house be well insulated, to prevent the wind from blowing in and reducing the efficiency of the lamp

Fig. 2.

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Infrared heating lamp for weaners

HIGH EFFICIENCY SCRAPER FOR COW MANURE Location: Taiwan, R.O.C.

Technical description The daily amount of feces and urine produced by a mature cow is about 8% of her body weight. Therefore, in a farm having 100 cows, the annual production of manure will be 2,000 tons per year. If this waste were washed and drained into the rivers and streams, it would not only need a lot of water, but would also cause a big pollution problem. However, the composition of cow manure is quite variabale and very useful for the improvement of soil quality. The device designed here collects manure in a waterless and highly efficient way. (See Fig. 3).

Uses and merits Overuse of chemical fertilizer will be detrimental to the capacity of the soil. At the same time, the disposal of fairy wastes directly by washing them into the river will result in serious environmental pollution. To collect the dairy wastes by using the devices described above will not only save water but will also ensure a clean farm. The utilization of used tires will reduce the space required for tire disposal. In additioin, the undiluted manure will be an excellent source of organic fertilizer for athe improvement of soil quality. The device was designed to be connected to a general loader. With a special rubber made from an old truck tire cut to shape, manure can be removed from the concrete floor. The scraper pushes and pulls as the loader moves in a fast and easy way. Also due to the flexibility of athe rubber part, the texture of the floor will not be damaged during manure collection.

Expert’s comments This device, when used with well-designed manure storage and a spreading area on the farm, will greatly reduce the problem of farm waste. If the rain-drain of the pen is constructed with a separate draining system, the stored manure can be used in a more efficient way. The manure collection will be much more efficient if the runway in the housing area can be constructed with an appropriate width.

Fig. 3. High efficiency scraper for cow manure

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THATCH ROOF

Location: Burirum Province, Thailand Technical description Fresh leaves of cogon grass (Imperata cylindrica) are cut into pieces about 80 cm long, dried in the sun and then wrapped once around a bamboo stick (1x1x150cm). (Fig. 4). In this way a panel with a comb-like structure is formed. It is then stitched along the lower ridge of the bamboo stick to secure the cogon grass leaves in place.

Uses and merits Most traditional animal houses in Thailand have this type of grass roof (Fig. 5). This is because cogon grass and bamboo can be found readily throughout the country. The grass roof provides protection to the animal from both the sun and the rain. The life span of the roof is about five years. The cogon grass panels are used as roofing materials by securing them crosswise to the roof structure, with the bamboo ridge in the center higher than the grass ridge. This will provide a continuous grass cover over the entire roof structure. It is cheaper than other types of roof and will also act as an insulator to protect animals from secondary radiation that usually occurs in animal houses with corrugated iron roofing.

Reservations on its use This roof type is a fire hazard and is vulnerable to strong winds.

Fig. 4.

Cogon grass panels used as roofing material.

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Fig. 5. Most traditional animal houses in Thailand have this type of grass roof.

CATTLE CUSHION MADE OF TIRES Location: Kangwon Province, Korea

Technical description Used tires are laid out on the floor of a cattle shed. The insides and outsides of the tires are filled with sand or rice hull.

Uses and merits Small-scale cattle farmers cannot afford improved facilities. Used tires on the other hand are abandoned and troublesome in rural areas. The adoption of this technology is therefore a good way of recycling abandoned tires recognized as pollutants, while enabling farmers to have improved facilities. The tire cushion is confortable and serves as hygienic bedding (Fig. 6). It is useful for protecting cattle from joint injury and arthritis.

Expert’s comments It is a very useful recycling practice. The sand or rice hulls should be changed occasionally to prevent contamination with cattle excrement.

Fig. 6.

Old car tires make a comfortable cushion for cattle

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BUFFALO YARD

Location: Mahasarakarm Province, Thailand Technical description Hardwood timber posts with large holes drilled through are placed upright, and the lower ends buried in the ground. The corner posts are usually bigger than the others. Straight trunks of suitable length are then inserted through the holes, thus forming four sides of the yard. One side of the yard is fitted with the middle post and tree trunks of smaller diameter, and shorter lengths are inserted through the holes, forming a gate (Fig. 7 and Fig. 8).

Uses and merits Traditional rice growers in Thailand keep a small herd of draft animals. The animals are usually kept in a yard at night. This cattle or buffalo yard is constructed beneath the farmhouse. The farmhouse may not cover part of the yard. The gate is opened when the shorter rails are removed.

Reservations on its use The wooden rails must be fastened to the post tightly by driving wooden wedges through the holes in the post.

Expert’s comments The earthen floor should be sloping on one side of the yard to drain urine. The dung should be removed from the yard regularly. The timber posts can be replaced by bamboo.

Fig.7. hardwood timber and bamboo can be used to make a buffalo yard where buffalo stay overnight.

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Fig. 8. Details of construction

BAMBOO GATE FOR DUCK PEN Nakorn Phathom Province, Thailand Technical description Dried bamboo sticks (C) about 2 x 1 x 80 cm are sandwiched between two pieces of bamboo (B) measuring 2 x 1 x 150 cm and tied with small wires to form a rail. Two rails (B) are prepared in a parallel fashion such that they form a panel-like structure. A pin made of a piece of wood (A) is driven into the ground to act as a stopper when the gate is closed. The gate panel is fastened to the two hinges (D) at one end, and to one side of the gateway (Fig. 9). This gives a bamboo gate which is light in weight. It can be lifted with one hand and swung open (Fig. 10). To close the gate, the stopper A is placed behind it.

Uses and merits Ducks are usually kept in the pen at night and let out to feed in the morning after they have laid their eggs.

Reservations on its use All sharp edges on the bamboo stick must all be removed to prevent injury. Other materials such as plastic nets, screens or galvanized iron can also be used.

Fig.9.

Bamboo used to make a duck pen in Thailand.

Fig. 10. Opening the gate.

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FENCE FOR FLOCK OF DUCKS

Location: Nakorn Phathom Province, Thailand Technical description Dried bamboo sticks (C, about 2 x 1 x 80cm) are nailed to two parallel wooden rails (B), forming a panel-like structure (Fig. 11).

Uses and merits Ducks are usually kept in a pen at night and let out to feed in the morning after they have laid their eggs. As domesticated ducks usually have clipped wings and do not fly, only a low fence is required. The fence is erected by nailing the panel to the post (A) until all the area intended for the duck pen is covered. A makeshift pen can be easily constructed with such fencing materials.

Reservations on its use All sharp edges on the bamboo stick must be removed to prevent injury. Large nails should not be used, as they will split the bamboo sticks.

Expert’s comments Inspection of the fence should be made often and any loose bamboo must be either nailed down or replaced.

Fig. 11. A makeshift bamboo pen for ducks.

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TETHERING OF LEAD ANIMAL TO REDUCE WANDERING BY HERD Location: Laguna and Leyte, Philippines Technical description This is a simple practice to minimize grazing of goats or sheep far from the shed or farm (Fig. 12). Because of their peculiar feeding behavior, small ruminants, particularly goats, have a tendency to move far away in search of forages, and may be lost. Usually in a herd or flock there is an identified leader. If the lead animal can be tethered, then its continuous bleating, which can be heard from a distance, will restrain the herd from going too far away.

Uses and merits This simple and low-cost management practice makes flock/herd management easier, minimizing loss of animals and preventing animals from causing damage to crops and neighboring farms. In addition, while the farmer is busy with other farm activities, it is easy for him to keep an eye on the animals. Also, by using this simple practice, animals can be retrieved and guided back to the shed or barn in the afternoon, during inclement weather, or when the heat of the sun is very intense.

Reservation on its use The tethered animal should be given additional feed supplements and water. As goats refuse to eat forage which is wet with urine or stained with manure, tethered animals should be moved several times a day to give access to clean, fresh forage. Moreover, there should be enough forage in the pasture to support the needs of the animals. Tethered animals should also be replaced from time to time to sustain the bleating or calling. Access to forage in the pasture is limited by the length of the rope used. The effectiveness of the practice does not last for long, because sooner or later the tethered animal will stop bleating and its herd mates will adjust to its absence.

Expert’s comments The tethered animals need to be moved two or three times a day to give them access to fresh forage. A proper tethering technique is required to avoid strangulation. The damage caused by free grazing animals is the sole responsibility of the shepherd or the farmer.

Fig. 12. Tethering the lead animal helps prevent the herd from wandering off.

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PROTECTING TREE TRUNKS WITH MANURE SLURRY Location: Bicol and Leyte, Philippines Technical description Goats are known to be destructive to plants. Because of their ability to stand on their hind legs, they can reach dangling foliage and shoots of young plants, and peel off bark from tree trunks. This makes them a nuisance on the farm. Animal manure from buffalo, cattle, goats, and other livestock can be used to discourage goats from nibbling the trunks or bark of trees. This can be done by collecting the manure in a container and mixing it with water to form a slurry. Using a paintbrush or coconut husk, the slurry is then painted onto trunks of trees at the height approximating the reach of goats, down to the base of the trunk (Fig. 13). As goats do not eat nor bite forage or anything stained with manure or urine, this practice will protect the tree from the goats (Fig. 14).

Uses and merits Painting trunks, particularly of fruit trees, with manure slurry will discourage goats from causing damage to the trees. Also, the practice is quite economical and safe, since no chemicals that can cause poisoning to the animals or pollution to the environment are used.

Reservations on its use The use of manure slurry is unpopular for hygienic reasons. It is already very objectionable to handle manure, more so to mix a slurry. After some time, the manure paint becomes less offensive and its use as a repellent is reduced. Moreover, it can only be used during the dry season. After the rainy season, it is recommended to repaint the trunks, as the slurry will have washed off.

Expert’s comments Farmers adopting this practice recognize that goats find manure repulsive, and prefer to stay in elevated and dry places. The odor from manure of cattle or water buffalo does not really stay long, particularly when the ammonia has dissipated. The hygiene of the practice is an important consideration in adopting this practice.

Fig. 13. Painting trees with manure slurry.

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Fig. 14. The slurry discourages goats from nibbling the bark.

STICKS AS HARNESS ON GOAT NECKS TO PREVENTENTRY INTO FENCED AREAS Location: Pangasinan, Philippines Technical description Some farmers deter goats from entering fenced areas by affixing a neck harness made of sticks. The harness is prepared by assembling sticks into a star-shaped frame. Usually, bamboo sticks are used. The neck hole is made small enough to prevent its removal by the animal once its neck is inside. The sharp ends are removed from the sticks to prevent any injury. The frame harness serves as an obstacle whenever the animal attempts to enter fence holes or breaks. Even with closely planted live tree fences, the presence of neck harness will prevent animals from getting into or out of fenced areas (Fig. 15).

Uses and merits Usually, identified herd leaders are the ones fitted with the frames since these are the most aggressive animals in the herd. The frame is so easy to prepare using bamboo that even women and children can do the job. Despite the presence of a frame on its neck, the animal is still free to move about.

Reservations on its use The use of a neck harness is practical only in open grazing areas where grass is low and there are few bushes or shrubs. The practice poses a danger of possible strangulation if the animal wearing the frame becomes entangled in a fence. If fences are low, the harness may not prevent the animal from jumping over. Fighting may cause the frame either to break or be dislodged from the animal’s neck.

Expert’s comments This is a unique and practical technology to use when raising goats in open areas. Only the lead animals are fitted with the harness to prevent or minimize their entry into fenced areas. Usually herd mates follow the direction of their identified leader. Inside a shed, the neck harness makes it difficult for the animal to move, especially in congested places. Attention should be paid to the danger of strangulation.

Fig. 15. Fitting goats with a neck harness can prevent them from entering fenced areas.

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INSTRUMENT TO MAKE A HOLE FOR NOSE RING OR ROPE HALTER Location: Nakorn Phathom Province, Thailand Technical description This instrument is made from a piece of hardwood about 25cm long with a diameter of 1.5 – 2cm at its base. One end is made sharp and pointed, resembling a needle (Fig. 16).

Uses and merits The instrument is pushed through the septum in the nostril of cattle or buffalo which has been secured to a sturdy post or wall (Fig. 17). A piece of rope is then inserted through the hole made by the instrument to form part of the halter. A nose ring can be used instead of the rope. In applying the instrument, the draft animals should be controlled. The rope halter enables a farmer to control his animal with ease.

Reservations on its use The wooden needle must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, if possible, before use.

Expert’s comments Only gentle force needs to be applied to the halter. An excited animal should be left until it has quietened down. Any strong force applied to the halter may tear the animal’s nostril.

Fig. 16. Sharp wooden instrument.

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Fig. 17. It is used to make a hole in the septum for the nose ring or rope halter.

WOODEN BELL

Location: Burirum Province, Thailand Technical description A small block of hardwood is carved into a bell. Metal balls about 1 cm in diameter are hung from wire or string inside the bell (Fig. 18). A piece of rope is inserted into the top of the bell, which is hung around the neck of the animal (Fig. 19).

Uses and merits Locating buffalo or cattle which are grazing in pastures under trees or in bush is a difficult task. The use of a bell helps solve this management problem, because when the animal moves its head, the bell makes a noise. This enables the farmer to easily locate his animals.

Reservations on its use Only one or two animals in a herd should wear such a bell.

Expert’s comments Some animals can be called back to their yard if they hear a similar bell being rung by their owner. A hardwood bell will sound better than a softwood one, but worse than a metal bell. Empty tin cans can also be used for this purpose.

Fig. 18. Wooden bell.

Fig. 19. Bell helps farmers to locate their animals quickly.

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HEAD CRUSH

Location: Lopburi Province, Thailand Technical description A 2.5 m wooden pole is sunk upright, 50 cm deep in the ground so that it fits loosely into a hole next to a large tree. A piece of strong rope is used to tie the pole to the tree.

Uses and merits When animals are brought to the crush for vaccination, the rope is loosened and the pole is swung from the tree. The animal is then brought inside the pole, and the rope is tightened closely to the tree again, so that the animal is trapped (Fig. 20). A makeshift crush of this kind will make it possible to perform a minor operation in the field.

Background Minor operations are usually performed on animals as part of routine management. A simple crush is needed in some areas, especially in remote parts of a country where there is no road access.

Reservations on its use Wild and easily excited animals would need to be handled gently, and would perhaps also require leg restraints.

Expert’s comments The crush is particularly useful if the animal is docile.

Fig. 20. This crush helps farmers perform simple operations on the animal.

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RUBBER OR LEATHER HARNESS Location: Burirum Province, Thailand Technical description This harness is a strip of rubber (A) made from a tire tube, a discarded belt or a piece of leather. It is about 7cm wide and 35 cm long, and threaded through at both ends with a piece of rope (B) (Fig. 21).

Uses and merits In pulling carts, animals apply draft power to the yoke. To prevent abrasion on the animal’s neck caused by the rope, this leather/rubber harness is suggested (Fig. 22). The draft animal is placed under a yoke, one end of which is attached to one end of the rope (B). The rope is threaded through the strip of rubber/leather (A), and then passed under the animal’s neck and tied to the other end of the yoke. This technology keeps the animal inside the yoke.

Reservations on its use The rope when placed around the neck should not be too tight. The farmer must make sure that the rubber hangs under the neck. Nylon sacking or 2-3 strands of rope could replace the materials suggested.

Fig. 21. Rubber or leather harness.

Fig. 22. The harness prevents abrasions to the animal’s neck while it is working.

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