Housing Design and Considerations 2

Rubber Flooring

Comfortable for cattle, reduces mechanical foot stress.

Cubicle Occupancy Rates

Rubber mattress 89%, deep bedding sand 79%.

Lighting Lux for Cattle

Recommended range is 160-200 lux for visibility.

Impact of Shadows

Cattle panic in shadows, affecting feeding and hydration.

Red Lights

Aid in cattle management and access to resources.

Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S)

Toxic gas from slurry, can cause death if inhaled.

Symptoms of H2S Exposure

Smells like rotten eggs, can cause loss of smell.

Slurry Storage Risks

Agitation releases H2S, posing health hazards.

Sheep Housing Guidelines

Access to dry bedding and ventilation is essential.

Liver Fluke Risk

Concern for sheep grazing in damp conditions.

Environmental Impact on Sheep

Weather affects sheep housing decisions and welfare.

Red Tractor Guidelines

Standards for sheep housing in barns or pens.

Multi-functional Environments

Sheep often housed during extreme weather or lambing.

Pig Housing Considerations

Group dynamics and space allocation are crucial.

Flooring in Pig Housing

Slat flooring and gap widths affect animal welfare.

Cattle Thermal Comfort

Rubber flooring enhances thermal comfort when lying down.

Preference Testing in Cattle

Evaluates material preferences for cubicle comfort.

Cow Confidence

Improved by comfortable flooring, aids movement.

Health Risks in Close Housing

Increased disease spread and welfare concerns.

Access to Resources

Water, feed, and lying areas are essential for livestock.

Pen Shape and Layout

Affects ease of management in pig housing.

Cattle Resting Needs

Constant light exposure can stress cattle.

Social Hierarchy

Space divisions facilitate social stability among pigs.

Farrowing Crates

Reduce piglet mortality by preventing crushing.

Temperature Regulation

Limited ability to control body temperature in pigs.

Weaner Housing

Housing options vary for pigs at different life stages.

Environmental Enrichment

Varies across housing types, affects pig welfare.

Ventilation Importance

Removes stale air, reduces respiratory disease risks.

Nutrient Requirements

Increase during lactation, influenced by temperature.

Voluntary Feed Intake

Declines by 170g/day per 1°C rise above 16°C.

Outdoor Housing Considerations

Climatic conditions affect pig welfare outdoors.

Farrowing Paddocks

Avoid sloping ground for better piglet safety.

Water Access

Clean water must be available, not in wallows.

Sow Density

10 sows per acre for gestation, 6-10 for farrowing.

Crop Rotations

Pigs integrate well into crop rotation systems.

Heat Loss Prevention

Critical for piglets due to large surface area.

Housing Comfort

Solid floors offer comfort; slatted floors are hygienic.

Consumer Views

Public perception of farrowing crates is generally negative.

Creep Area

Covered area for piglets to maintain warmth.

Health Checks

Individual sows may need segregation for health monitoring.

Mixing Pens

Facilitates movement and social interactions among pigs.

Piglet Exploration

Heat mats allow piglets to explore safely.

Climatic Variation

Soil type and topography affect outdoor housing.

Crop Rotation

Systematic planting of different crops sequentially.

Grass-Clover Pasture

Pasture mix for pigs, enhances soil fertility.

Cereal Crop

Grain-producing plants, e.g., wheat, barley.

Legume Crop

Plants like beans, enrich soil nitrogen.

Loose Housing Systems

Housing allowing pigs to move freely.

Colostrum Intake

Initial milk intake critical for piglet immunity.

Space Allowance

Minimum space of 2.25 sq/m per sow.

Lameness Prevalence

Higher in group-housed sows than individual stalls.

Nose-to-Nose Contact

Social interaction in group housing, potential pathogen spread.

Poultry Housing

Structures designed to protect birds from elements.

Vermin Concerns

Pests that threaten poultry health and food.

Water and Food Accessibility

Birds should access essentials within 3m.

Dark Areas

Should be limited to nesting boxes only.

Free Range Housing

Chickens have outdoor access, perceived as humane.

Enriched Cages

Cages providing more space and stimulation for birds.

Ammonia Release

From litter, causes respiratory and skin issues.

Lighting Importance

Stimulates egg production and growth in poultry.

Pecking Order

Social hierarchy in poultry flocks, influences behavior.

Feather Pecking

Aggressive behavior linked to housing and stress.

Air Quality Deterioration

Ammonia from litter reduces bird productivity.

Welfare-friendly Systems

Housing types that improve animal welfare despite challenges.

Health Impacts

Conditions affecting poultry welfare and productivity.