16 minute read
Reducing ammonia levels in pig buildings
High levels of ammonia in pig sheds will lead to an increase in respiratory problems, decreased feed intake and therefore reduced growth rates – as well as impacting sta health and welfare. We spoke to Galebreaker sales manager Will Johnson about measures to improve air quality.
Ammonia has been high on the government’s agenda, with a target to reduce emissions by 16% by 2030 as part of the Clean Air Strategy. UK agriculture is reported to be responsible for 88% of emissions, with livestock housing being the most signi cant source (27%).
Aside from the likelihood of increasing regulation, high levels of ammonia in housing also have signi cant rami cations for pig welfare and sta health.
“When we talk about high levels of ammonia what we’re actually talking about is air quality. Poor air quality in pigs and humans can lead to exacerbated respiratory issues, and any respiratory issues in pigs will impact feed intake and therefore daily growth rates. So you’ll have an unhappy pig that’s not eating enough, growing quickly enough and won’t nish to its best ability,” Mr Johnson explains.
Utilising natural ventilation to ensure good air ow without draughts is a key part of reducing ammonia levels in pig buildings, he adds.
“Maintaining good air quality by utilising natural ventilation, has been proven to provide above and beyond industry standard living conditions for higher welfare pigs. A happy, healthy pig will grow quickly, nish well and be a much more productive animal for the farmer.”
A modern side curtain system
A side curtain system such as Galebreaker’s VVS (variable ventilation system) helps to provide optimum living conditions for health and welfare, minimising the impact of seasonal temperature changes on the growth and nishing stages.
VVS is tted to either side of the shed with a weather control station to control it. In fully automatic mode the curtain reacts to pre-set wind direction, wind speed, internal and external temperatures and rain to make sure the correct environment within the shed is achieved at all times, explains Mr Johnson.
“The whole premise behind the Galebreaker brand is really to provide optimal conditions within buildings using the best of natural ventilation,” he continues. “When we talk about how to reduce the impact of high ammonia levels within a pig building, we’re looking to utilise natural ventilation to ush the building to provide clean fresh air at all times.”
Adaptable systems
The latest Galebreaker iSeries controllers – which allow conditions within buildings to be monitored and tweaked remotely through a smartphone or tablet – can accept signals from ammonia sensors. This means that should a legal limit be introduced for ammonia or CO2 levels in buildings, this could be written into the algorithm for the curtain operation. If a critical level is reached, the curtains will drop to ush the building with clean fresh air. The system can also interact with fans, doors, lighting and VentTubes, working them into the operation of the curtains, Mr Johnson explains: “Our systems are relatively adaptable to individual conditions. We write the algorithms to suit the site in terms of wind direction and what the farmer wants to achieve.”
The customisable nature of the system is important as there is no ‘one size ts all’ solution for farms looking to reduce ammonia levels and provide optimal air quality in their buildings, Mr Johnson notes. The iSeries controllers are highly customisable depending on what the farm is looking for, and the modular network is installed via a series of simple wired connections, making it easy to change or add systems to the network. Going forward it can continue to adapt to di erent conditions or age of pigs in the buildings at di erent times.
Mr Johnson adds: “We reinvest a signi cant proportion of our turnover into R&D and it’s very important to us that what we sell to our customers is good for now and good for the future. We keep an eye on legislation and market trends and work very hard to make sure what we sell is customisable and upgradable for the future.” With ammonia currently prevalent in the news, we can assume that yet further legislation could be coming. Mr Johnson adds: “Farmers and processors will all be keeping an eye on future legislation; anything we can do to help people prepare for any incoming air quality regulations is 100% what Galebreaker is going to do.”
Speak to your vet to assess air ow or quality in your buildings, or contact Galebreaker to start discussing solutions. FG
New spreader head option for narrow passages
Spread-a-Bale is introducing the Side Throw (ST) at LAMMA 2022 – a new spreader head option that allows livestock farmers with narrow doorways and passages to make further reductions in straw spreading time, labour and fuel. And equally important, to make straw savings of 30–50%. Only one materials handler is required to operate.
It features a single vertical rotor which discharges straw through a 40cm wide side aperture. Straw is delivered in a focused 1m-wide linear spread pattern and thrown up to 6m, with minimal dust generation.
It can be tted to any of Spreada-Bale’s M range, Mini, Midi and Maxi, and is available on front end mounted models for attachment to 1.75t or greater loader lift capacity.
Spread-a-Bale’s Michael Hughes explains: “The new ST spreader head will be of interest to farmers with a minimum 2m-wide doorways and passageways, particularly for pig producers with yards and those with outdoor arcs requiring focused discharge for a more precise bedding. The ST is also suited to turkey and duck rearing systems.”
It can discharge one rectangular bale within 60 seconds, improving e ciency of systems, labour and diesel usage, Mr Hughes adds.
Vertical rotor height varies according to Spreada-Bale model: the ST Mini and Midi measures 3ft and the ST Maxi, 4ft.
For further information see Spread-a-Bale’s dealer network (www.straw-spreading-machines. com), contact Mr Hughes directly or visit LAMMA stand 20.390. FG
The COMMANDO® Range of independently powered high pressure cleaning equipment is the professional farmer’s choice.
IDEAL FOR THE PIG & POULTRY SECTORS
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON OUR COMPLETE RANGE www.commandoequip.co.uk | 01603 603810
Animal-friendly solutions for Pig Farming
Pressure washer range ideally suited to ag sector
Hugh Crane (Cleaning Equipment) Ltd manufactures the Commando range of independently powered pressure washers and jetting equipment, ideally suited for the agricultural sector.
Commando machines are ideal where arduous duty cycles occur and reliability is important, the manufacturer says. They can be easily transported to virtually any terrain where power washing is required and are built to comply with BS EN ISO 9001: 2015.
The British-designed range o ers petrol or diesel engine powered machines, PTO driven or hydraulically powered units and includes barrow, skid, trailer, vehicle and bowser mounted units.
The Honda petrol engine powered range includes the 250P, 350P and 500P barrow mounted machines, with the option on the 500 series of electric start, or auto-intelligent engines for maximum fuel e ciency.
The diesel range includes the Hatz single-cyl 500D and twin cylinder 1030U series machines and the Isuzu 3-cyl 3000 series. A wide choice of 4-cyl diesel engine units is available for larger applications, with pressures ranging from 200–500 Bar.
Once the correct Commando high pressure model is selected, handover instructions and installation is provided.
Commando are available to buy, lease or hire. Comprehensive stores facilities at three UK sites and 20,000 line items in stock, plus factory trained mobile service engineers ensures immediate supply of parts and accessories and reliable operation at all times.
For more information contact the company directly or visit www.commandoequip.co.uk FG
We manufacture, supply & build...
• Cubicle Buildings • Lambing Sheds • Dairy Units • Equestrian •Workshops • Grain Stores • Industrial Units • Bespoke Design • Nationwide Coverage
See us at
Hall 7 Stand 430
We supply: Manure Lagoons • Weatherproof Silos Silage Safe • Curtains / Ventilation
Huesker Ltd
1 Quay Business Centre, Harvard Court, Calver Road, Warrington WA2 8LT Tel: 01925 629393 | Email: info@huesker.co.uk www.HUESKER.co.uk
01630 655 555 | |
How to cope with increasing energy costs
Justin Emery, senior ventilation consultant at draperGROUP, explores the some of the challenges currently facing the poultry sector and how heat recovery systems can bene t new and old buildings.
Anyone operating controlled environment buildings – i.e. those that control house temperature, often by adding heat lost to the minimum ventilation rates required for the welfare of the stock – are going to be concerned by the sudden escalation in the cost of fuel and electricity. The supply chain keeps margins tight, and uctuations on input costs have a direct impact on the farmer.
It is the sudden and major changes forced on the industry that cause the most problems – global oil policies or a tragic war in a major grain supplying country is one thing, but government policy enthusiastically implemented by various agencies, social media or retailer driven change, are another. The egg industry absorbed the cost of enriched cages, but the ban on any cage has been proposed before many producers have paid back the cost of enriched cages.
If changes are to be made, those implementing them must allow time for the industry to pay for the change, which means the banks then have con dence to fund the change. Time allows for proper evaluation and targets improvements over a sensible timeframe, say 7–10 years. The constant barrage of change probably does more harm than the good it intends. Any good stockman knows that you make a change and leave it alone.
Certainly, in the poultry meat rearing sector, new and older buildings are going to require heat recovery systems that pre-heat incoming fresh air; there are better machines available now than the pre-biomass heating items. draperGROUP has a model that can recover up to 70% of outgoing heat, has very low running costs, no condensation and is small enough to t between old houses. By having two small units, rather than one large one, they o er much better internal air distribution in a broiler house when integrated with the house heating and recirculation system.
It is important to remember that it is the stock that is most important, so the system must be properly integrated with the ventilation and heating system. Also, if acid scrubbers are required (increasingly likely), they should be able to work in conjunction with the heat recovery units.
If you are coming to the Pig and Poultry Fair, visit our stands, 31 and 20, and we would be happy to discuss these and other interesting innovations, such as bio ltration as an alternative to acid scrubbing in certain applications. FG
draperGROUP are committed to providing the best possible solution for your farm; from draperGROUP are committed to providing the best possible soluti first concept through to design, build and installation. We also offer ongoing support, mentoring and training, from our dedicated and highly experienced team of specialists. THE COMPLETE SOLUTION
PARTNERED WITH
Extensive experience developing Climate Control Systems
Our systems encourage your birds to reach their full genetic potential
Innovative designs providing maximum bird welfare
You receive continuous mentoring, care and support from a team of experts
Turnkey equipment solutions for new build and refurbishments
Call draperGROUP today to discuss: 01202 797151
draperGROUP, Chapman, Dorset Innovation Park, Winfrith Newburgh, DT2 8GB. T: 01202 797151 E: info@draper.group W: www.drapervent.com
Maintaining good mobility is vitally important for both production e ciency and most importantly, welfare. Lameness causes reduced DLWG, increased time to achieve good nishing weights, and impacts reproductive ability. Olivia Casey, of Westpoint Farm Vets, writes.
Lameness signs include uneven weight distribution, accentuated by head nods, hip hikes, non-weightbearing limbs and decreased stride length, plus postural signs such as arched backs, dog sitting, swinging limbs and long claw length. Lame pigs may have di culty rising, sti ness, slower pace, and tire easily. Pain may be expressed by vocalisation, shaking, or reacting to palpation or manipulation. Clinical signs such as heat or swelling of joints, bruising or open wounds may indicate a lameness issue, as well as muscle atrophy, which suggests a more chronic problem. See Table for infectious causes.
Non-infectious causes:
• Osteoarthritis: More common in elderly pigs and breeds with
genetically poor conformation • Osteochondrosis (OCD): Faster growing pigs are more susceptible • Osteoarthritis can be secondary to OCD • Fractures: Can be di cult to diagnose and treat and may result in euthanasia. If experiencing fractures commonly, consider the link between nutrition and bone health, genetics, and pig handling methods • Spinal malformations in piglets:
Potentially due to vitamin D de ciency in pregnant sows • Scraped knees in piglets, sole bruising, white line disease, bumblefoot, biotin de ciencies, and myopathy due to porcine stress syndrome.
Pathogen Clinical signs Swellings Limbs a ected Typical scenario
Mycoplasma hyosynoviae Sti ness when rising
Joint ill (Streptococcus suis and E. coli, streps, staphs) Neurological signs/ meningitis, septicaemia, polyarthritis
Erysipelas (Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae)
Glassers disease (Haemophilus parasuis)
Vesicular diseases e.g., Coronitis, Foot and Mouth Disease Hunched posture, skin lesions, sudden death due to endocarditis or sepsis
Cough, di culty breathing, increased mortality, polyarthritis, meningitis
Blisters at the coronary band, shifting lameness, drooling, inappetence. No Multileg lameness
New pig introduced to naive herd e.g., Boar. Growing pigs often a ected; stress is a trigger.
Yes Single leg lameness
Teeth clipping/tail docking practises. Strep suis strains target pigs of all ages, mainly preweaned, immediately weaned and post weaning.
Yes Multileg lameness (chronic cases) Weaned piglets, growing pigs.
Yes Single leg lameness Weaned piglets, growing pigs.
At the coronary band Multileg
When discussing lameness with your vet, important things to note are age groups and numbers a ected, their clinical signs (presence of swellings, number of limbs a ected), and whether there are any other notable health issues. Your vet may then work with you to determine appropriate diagnostic tests e.g., sampling of joint uid, blood testing, imaging, or if animals are to be culled, post mortem examination. Abattoir feedback from slaughtered animals may also be useful.
In terms of treatment, the importance of supportive care cannot be overstated. While some forms of lameness require antibiotic therapy, all will require pain relief and adjustment of the lame pigs’ environment to make access to food and water as easy as possible for recovering animals.
Assessment of lameness can be challenging but together with your vet, you can assess your farm’s lameness risk and determine the best way to monitor herd mobility. FG
A1 Egg Packers Ltd
Egg Packaging Wholesaler
UK, EUROPEAN & INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTORS
Family run business specialising in supplying a broad range of egg packaging supplies and packing materials to commercial and independent customers
See us at the BRITISH PIG & POULTRY FAIR
10th–11th May 2022 Stand 264
PRE-PACKS LABELS • • TRAYS PALLET •OUTERBOXES • TAPES WRAP •WORKWEAR
See us at the BRITISH PIG & POULTRY FAIR
10th–11th May 2022 Stand 264
Pig finishing opportunities in East Anglia
East Anglia based Wayland Farms, part of the pig farming division of Cranswick plc, is looking for farmers to enter into long-term Agistor pig breeding, rearing and nishing contracts of between 5–10 years ongoing, as growth for Cranswick’s pork products continues to increase.
The company says it o ers attractive returns on investment and its farmers can bene t from further cost savings as the farmyard manure by-product acts as a natural fertiliser, helping to invest in the future of the soil.
“Farmers can bene t from signi cant savings in fertiliser costs, as pig manure from strawbased units is rich in phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen,” says operations director Charles Bowes. “Spreading this onto arable land or grass will result in improved soil health, leading to increases in e ciencies and improvements in crop yields. An independent Micro Nutrient report from Norfolk Rivers Trust con rmed that we have increased the organic matter of the soils on our own farms by 10% in a two-year period.”
Mr Bowes adds: “We work alongside our farmers to support them in all the set-up aspects including, conversion of old farm buildings into pig nishing units and new build projects designed speci cally for nishing pigs.
“If your business relies on income at peak times during the year i.e. selling grain or produce, this contract rearing system provides a xed, reliable income across the year through our long term contracts which are available for up to 10 years.
“This is an opportunity for arable farmers to spread the risk of their business, as this is an income which isn’t weather dependent and provides guaranteed monthly payments for the long term, however we are keen to talk to both existing growers, arable or other livestock farmers who are considering a farm diversi cation opportunity.”
Wayland o ers opportunities such as: • Working with an established and practical British company • Competitive stable monthly income and reduced vulnerability from the cereal market and weather conditions • Excellent alternative break crop • Proven independent study that 10% organic matter is deposited back into the soil after outdoor pigs • Full environmental survey assessment to satisfy cross compliance and BPS • Reduced biosecurity risks due to full control of Wayland transport eet for movement of livestock and feed.
To nd out more about how Wayland Farms could provide a new income stream for your farm, get in touch directly or visit www.waylandfarms. co.uk FG
