May 10, 2012

Netherland's first three layer pig breeding facility, near Lunteren, will open this week.

The novel sow house is an addition to an existing family-owned pig finishing facility, owned by the De Jong family. The facility offers space for 1,986 sows, using high health status breeding material.

The facility is constructed to offer space for the next generation pig farmers and also provides risk diversification. The main driver behind the construction is related to building an economically and socially responsible business.

All gestation departments in the facility are equipped using Nedap Velos ESF wet feed stations, with 70 sows being in one group. Sows and gilts are going into group housing straight after insemination. During the first four weeks, sows are kept in a department with automatic heat detection equipment using spray markers.

The barn is equipped with positive pressure ventilation in the central corridors and with virus filters. Other specifications include heat recovery with a heat pump on the central exhaust; a curtain controlled by under pressure to prevent wind influences; five-phase feeding for sows and pre-heated slurry feeding for piglets.

On Saturday, May 12 between 10am and 4pm, the De Jong family (owners) open their doors to the facility. This offers interested people the possibility to have a look inside.