Pig unit ventilation is under the spotlight in a new DVD from BPEX. The aim is to help pig producers identify ventilation-related problems and, more importantly, provide practical solutions.
It is presented by John Chambers of
J C Consulting, who has been trouble-shooting problems caused by poor
ventilation for many years. Ventilation systems
have a significant impact on the health, behaviour and performance of pigs at
every stage of production – it is not to be underestimated.
BPEX Head of Knowledge Transfer (KT)
Dr Mike Varley said: “Producers often
rely on trial and error to tackle the challenge of ventilation on their units.
But it is best to seek specialist advice as early as possible. BPEX wants all
producers to benefit from greater understanding of the subject and the DVD will help
achieve that.” The regional KT managers are also running ventilation workshops
for producers throughout the spring.
Nottinghamshire pig producer Michael
Hatton attended a BPEX ventilation workshop at his local pig club and said
afterwards: “I decided to explore my options further for a new building and
asked for advice from a ventilation specialist. We also reviewed the existing
systems at the same time.”
Ventilation systems are usually
scrutinised when a new building is put up but they must also be regularly
checked and maintained throughout the life of the building. On the DVD John
Chambers explains what an effective pig unit ventilation system should do and
how to maintain and run it. Importantly, it provides the information and advice
to help producers assess their own units and make informed decisions about
ventilation.
Key points
to consider include:
-
The typical air
flow within buildings and the problems that can result from where cold air
lands
-
What does
pig behaviour say about
the current temperature/draughts?
-
Are
building temperatures and outside temperatures
monitored?
-
Should
fans have louvers over them?
-
Ventilation requirements should be
reviewed regularly, especially when building use or stocking level changes,
for example when changing to a batch system
Copies of the DVD are available from
BPEX regional Knowledge Transfer Managers or by e-mailing kt@bpex.org.uk or calling 02476
478793