A piggery is a place where pigs are sheltered and raised for various needs, including pork production, breeding, or research. It can be an indoor or outdoor setting based on the management system. Whether you’re harbouring pigs indoors or letting them roam in the great outdoors, the environmental conditions in which pigs feel comfortable and grow best are critical to minimise discomfort and distress.
Types of Piggery Farming
Free-range piggery farming is where pigs freely roam outdoor pastures, requiring more space and staff attention. Pigs require special conditions to be raised this way, as they are exposed to climate changes and the elements. On the other hand, natural piggery farming is where pigs eat fresh fodder from naturally growing plants, and a smaller sustainable area is used. Monitoring heating and cooling conditions is also important because pigs are still farmed in a concentrated environment.
With stall-free piggery farming, sows are group-housed in large sheds for mass production. Outdoor-bred pig farming is also common, where pigs are born and kept outside until weaning, then moved to deep litter housing. As pigs are unable to perspire, the ideal temperature is 20-22 degrees in this farming style. With indoor piggery farming, pigs are housed indoors for better disease control and management, keeping pigs of similar ages in groups.
The key piggery farming tasks include breeding, feeding and nutrition, housing and environment, health and disease control, and waste management. To minimise odour, ensure routine cleaning, adequate ventilation, use of indigenous micro-organisms to break down waste, proper flooring and bedding, correct waste disposal, composting, separation of eating and sleeping areas, and consideration of feed additives to reduce manure smell.
If you are considering expanding your piggery, there is a range of indoor and outdoor farming products to support your needs. Polytex offers a variety of products for indoor farming that include:
Products for outdoor spaces include:
A thriving pig farm depends on a strategic blend of expert practices, careful planning, and keen observation. Constant monitoring of the pigs’ living conditions is vital for optimal growth. Beyond maintaining the right temperature, considering their food, habitat, and health prevention is crucial. Farmers and pig specialists should routinely check these conditions, including airflow and temperature, to foster the best growth conditions for pigs. With the right products to support maintaining the conditions and temperatures, long-lasting benefits and higher efficiency can be achieved. If you need indoor or outdoor piggery shelter and protection products, call us at 1300 059 003 to discuss your requirements. You can also click ‘Get a Quote’ and we’ll be in touch shortly.
