HOUSING
PIH-117
pork industry handbook
PURDUE UNIVERSITY COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE • WEST LAFAYETTE, INDIANA
Planning Considerations for the Construction Of a New Swine Building
Authors
Arthur J. Muehling, University of Illinois
Les L. Christianson, University of Illinois
Gary L. Riskowski, University of Illinois
Larry E. Christenson, Kalona, Iowa
Neil F. Meador, University of Missouri
Reviewers
Sid and Peg Burkey, Dorchester, Nebraska
Stephen and Darleen Burkholder, Albustis, Pennsylvania
John A. George, Uniontown, Kansas
Dennis L. Jones, Ames, Iowa
John W. Parker, North Carolina State University
David and Joyce Sharp, Visalia, California
When you decide to buy a new car, you do not start thinking, “I can buy some tires at a good price from the co-op tire dealer in the next town; the local auto dealer has a good price on engines; and I remember seeing an ad for a new type of car seat in last week’s paper.” You don’t call up the local auto mechanic telling him you need a new car and ask him how much it will cost to build one and when he can have it ready.

Yet the majority of swine buildings — whether building new or doing major remodeling — are designed piecemeal by the farmer, a feed salesman, an equipment supplier, a local building contractor, or local veterinarian. The costs of these buildings can be many times the cost of a new car. Most painful is the realization that the piecemeal approach to designing and building swine buildings often costs more in the long run than a well planned and engineered building.

This fact sheet lists a number of points that should be considered when planning and managing the construction of a new swine building. More detailed information on these topics is in the Midwest Plan Service Swine Housing and Equipment Handbook (MWPS-8).

SITE SELECTION
Proper choice of a site for your new swine unit will not in itself ensure a successful operation. However, if you choose a poor location, you will be saddled with serious problems for a long time.

Locate downwind (of summer winds) from any residences to minimize odor problems. When possible, choose a location with protection from cold winter winds and snow accumulations. Naturally ventilated buildings
need an open area to allow adequate natural air movement. Allow a minimum of 50 feet between buildings. A larger spacing would be better for fire control. The Reinsurance Association of Minnesota recommends a spacing of 100 ft. for fire control.

All-weather roads are essential to move feed and hogs. Locate near an adequate electric supply. Many power companies charge for running new electric lines to your new buildings. If a high electricity demand is expected, check for 3-phase power. Water should be of drinking quality. Your source should be able to supply the daily requirements plus other demands such as spillage, cooling sprays, cleaning, fire protection, and expansion.

Provide access to all sides of new and existing buildings. The fire department must have room to move its equipment close to any fire source. Enclosed walkways should not block access to adjacent buildings, and should be designed and managed to prevent the spread of fire. Provide a path for vehicle passage around or through any walkways.

Locate new facilities adjacent to existing buildings or extensively remodel existing facilities only if these existing facilities are located properly, are in good condition, and fit your plans. Frequently, producers lock themselves into a location because of an existing building and it often is in a poor location or is otherwise unsuitable.

Surface and subsurface drainage is necessary for all buildings. Do not locate in a low area that can result in wet conditions in and around the buildings. Use adequate gravel fill under the floor to ensure good drainage and help prevent cracking of the concrete.
Check out local zoning and environmental laws and regulations for a proposed location. If the location is
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. The Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service is an affirmative action/equal opportunity institution.