Comfortable sows produce more piglets

Modern pig farming is highly specialized with frequent splits between where the pigs are bred and where the pigs are reared. The Thorupgaard farm is specialized in breeding sows, with the offspring of the sows being reared on other farms. The production unit on the farm consist of 3 distinct but connected buildings. The sows are moved from one building to another depending on their stage of gestation. Having the buildings connected makes this process very easy. During the whole reproductive cycle it is crucial to keep the environmental parameters of the various structures under tight control. This allows for maximum breeding efficiency of the sows.

Prevention of heat and moisture build-up, removal of carbon dioxide, ammonia, odours and dust

Each ventilation system is dimensioned to supply both minimum and maximum ventilation. Minimum ventilation is the volume of air that needs to be supplied to the animals for maintaining a proper air quality, which means prevention of heat and moisture build-up, removal of carbon dioxide, ammonia, odours and dust. All of these parameters can influence the animal’s performance negatively if left uncontrolled. Maximum ventilation is the quantity of air that needs to be passed through the building to remove any excess heat produced by the animals.

Installing Munters livestock ventilation system

Each of the 3 buildings on the Thorupgaard farm posed unique design challenges in terms of structural design and environmental conditions. To guarantee a proper functioning negative pressure ventilation system, the design team evaluated parameters such as:

* Type, number and weight of the animals in each structure
* State of the animals (gestating or with litters)
* Climate conditions of the region
* Insulation of the building