Harnessing Innovation for Piglet Health: The Impact of Pneumatic Adjustable Farrowing Crates

It's a common understanding in the pig farming sector that the number of piglets born per litter is usually substantial, but the count of those piglets that reach a healthy maturity often falls short. When managing large-scale pig farming operations, it's pivotal to strike a balance between the quantity of farrowing crates and the workforce available. A misbalance could adversely affect the count of robust piglets. So, how can we diminish the workload while increasing the number of healthy piglets?

The answer lies in the innovative approach of pneumatic adjustable farrowing crates. These crates, with their unique capability to ascend and descend, can significantly alleviate the caretakers' workload during farrowing. Simultaneously, they promise a higher count of healthy piglets. These crates adapt to the sow's physical alterations, with the adjustable part encompassing the sow's stall, the lying area, and the feeding and watering equipment. When elevated, the sow's surrounding floor area is entirely shielded by stainless steel plates, providing a safety measure against piglets falling underneath.

The functionality of the pneumatic farrowing crate revolves around a control rod connected to the sow's stall. This control rod raises the sow's platform when she stands and lowers it when she lies down. This mechanism ensures that the sow's platform remains level with the piglet area when she is resting and is raised when she is feeding.

The pneumatic system's operation requires compressed air, which is supplied by an air compressor stationed separately on the farm. There's no necessity for the compressor to be housed in the pigsty; a separate space of approximately 6 square meters suffices. However, it's crucial to keep the air compressor away from feed or water equipment to avert dust and moisture intrusion into the air system.

The capacity of the adjustable farrowing crate is impressive, with the ability to accommodate a total weight of 500-600 kg. This includes the weight of the crate mechanism, the sow stall, and the sow herself. As a result, the energy consumption is directly proportional to the compressor's electricity use. The system's proper utilization not only showcases its benefits but also contributes to energy conservation.

Implementing an adjustable farrowing crate can markedly mitigate the labor intensity and stress inflicted on the pig herd during procedures like tail docking or vaccination. The crate bifurcates the pen into two sections, simplifying the process for workers to handle piglets.

In summary, the adjustable farrowing crate presents itself as a potent tool for enhancing pig farm management, augmenting the count of healthy piglets, and boosting profitability. Ensuring its correct use and regular maintenance will maximize the equipment's efficacy.