Pig Housing: Fittings for Water, Feed and Daily Enrichment

Pig Housing: Fittings That Stand Up to the Daily Round

In the pen, anything that is not firmly bolted down takes punishment. Pigs push, chew and rub against every part, so with housing equipment it is above all strength that counts. Here you will find the four areas that make up a pen: water, feed, enrichment and body care. The span runs from the small bite nipple for suckling piglets to the stainless steel rubbing wall for the finishing group.

Water and feed at every place

Water for pigs is supplied through bite nipples in stainless steel or brass, through trough nipples with an adjustable jet, or through drinking bowls that give even a sow enough flow. For naturally ventilated buildings there is a heated trough drinker that stays frost free down to minus 15 degrees, along with tipping troughs and float valves for a steady water level. On the feed side the span runs from the shallow trough in the farrowing pen to the hopper with a storage bin. In both cases the right height decides how much is taken up: nipple and trough edge move up with the animal.

Enrichment and body care

Pigs root, chew and rub themselves. Where there is nothing on offer for that, their interest quickly turns to the ears and tails of their pen mates. Organic, changeable enrichment material therefore belongs in every pen, for instance hessian sacks and hessian cloths that are allowed to be shredded. Bite balls, bite rollers and stainless steel hanging chains round the offer out and hold up even when a whole group works on them. For skin care there are scratch brushes and a rubbing wall that hoses down easily and gives the animal a fixed spot to rub against.

Frequently asked questions

How many drinking places does a pen need?
As a guide, one drinking place for no more than twelve animals, and at least two places per pen so that lower ranking pigs can move away. Check the flow rate too, because a lactating sow needs many times the water of a weaned piglet.

At what height does a bite nipple sit correctly?
The nipple is right when the animal reaches it with its head slightly raised, roughly at wither height. With growing groups an adjustable bracket helps, otherwise you fit separate heights side by side for piglets and finishers.

How do I clean stainless steel fittings?
Hose the coarse dirt off, then foam on a housing cleaner, let it work and rinse off. Stainless steel takes that well and stays smooth for years. Afterwards, make sure the nipples and valves are running freely again.