HOUSING
PIH-22
pork industry handbook
PURDUE UNIVERSITY • COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE • WEST LAFAYETTE, INDIANA
Combining Swine Housing Units into a System of Buildings
Authors
A. J. Muehling, University of Illinois
E. R. Collins, Jr., Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Stephen and Kayleen Mohling, Glenvil, Nebraska
Reviewers
Robert and Lorrie Dykhuis, Holland, Michigan
Daryl and Bette Haerther, Strasburg, Colorado
Russ and Mary Jeckel, Delavan, Illinois
Loren and Susan Losh, Strasburg, Colorado
James Scarborough, University of Delaware
Specialized commercial pork producers have caused many changes in the typical swine production setup. The facilities of an intensified system today are likely to resemble an assembly line. The size and other characteristics of the units may vary, but an overall unit must be complete, including farrowing through finishing, feed processing and manure handling. Most of the animals, including the breeding stock are kept on surfaced floors under roof. Capacities, in number of hogs finished per year, are highly variable but most units require a large financial investment. Careful planning is essential when considering the initial setup and possible future changes and expansion which ensure that the system operates profitably and with a minimum of problems.

System Planning
The first principle of planning is to consider the complete swine unit, not just one building at a time. When planning a new system, keep in mind the expansion that might be planned 5 to 10 years ahead, or longer. Consider the flow patterns of the three major products-feed, pigs and manure. Handle each with a minimum of labor and expense, but bear in mind that the overall unit must provide optimal environmental conditions for efficient pig growth and operators’ comfort and safety.

Site Selection
Proper choice of a site for a new operation or a major expansion is very important. If a poor location is chosen, there may be serious problems for a long time. Some factors to consider:

Zoning. Check out local zoning laws and regulations for the proposed location. If it is zoned other than agriculture, study the situation carefully before building. Even agricultural zoning is no guarantee against a nuisance suit due to poor management of the operation. Also, check state regulations relating to constructing a new hog unit or manure management system. Some
states today have established setback distances for new or major expansions to be located in relation to their neighbors. Other states have stringent water quality protection standards that must be met.

Prevailing wind direction. Locate downwind from your residence and from any neighboring residence to minimize potential odor problems. Normally, this means having a major concern for the neighbors to the north, northeast and east of the hog operation. When possible, choose a location which protects the facilities from cold winter winds and snow accumulations.

Access to roads. Hogs, and usually feed, must be moved at all times of the year. An all-weather road for trucks marketing hogs and delivering feed is essential to connect your setup to the public road system.

Access to power and water. Check the installation cost when considering locating a long distance from where electricity is available. Power companies can charge a sizable amount for running a line to the new buildings. If a high electricity demand is anticipated, check the availability of three-phase power. Consider standby generating equipment with proper switching to disconnect from the utility company source. Warning devices or an alarm system to indicate loss of power also should be considered.

Determine total daily water requirements. As a general rule, water intake will be about 2 to 2 1/2 times the feed intake, although this varies with season, temperature and amount of salt in the ration. In hot weather, water consumption may be twice what it is during the winter months. Allow for some wastage and plan for some reserve for peak demands and for future expansion. Allowances also should be made for washing floors and flushing gutters if fresh water is used. If enough water cannot be provided, choose another location or scale down the proposed facility.

Drainage. Surface and subsurface drainage is necessary for all buildings. Choose higher locations with good drainage, and
Cooperative Extension Work in Agriculture and Home Economics, State of Indiana, Purdue University and U .S. Department of Agriculture Cooperating. H. A. Wadsworth, Director, West Lafayette, IN. Issued in furtherance of the Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914. It is the policy of the Cooperative Extension Service of Purdue University that all persons shall have equal opportunity and access to its programs and facilities without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, or handicap.