February 22, 2010

Dutch scientists to develop energy-producing pig house

Scientists in the Netherlands have received subsidies for a project that aims to develop an energy-neutral or even energy-producing pig house.

Several pilot projects will be established at the pig trial facility in Sterksel, the Netherlands, part of the Wageningen University and Research Centre (WUR), and they aim to inspire producers.

Potential studies could deal with:

• New techniques for litter heating. Scientists consider using hogs' body temperatures for warming up suckling pigs by floor heating.
   
• The application of small wind turbines on top of pig houses. In addition, a wind turbine could be located in the air stream exiting a ventilating system.
   
• The use of LED lights in pig houses could seriously save money and energy.
   
• Energy generation from animal movements, like a rooting system disguised as distraction material.

The researchers aim to gather experiences and find out which techniques deserve further trials.