In the piglet department, piglets stay after weaning until around 10 weeks of age. They grow from 8 kg to 25 kg during this period!
Most of the piglets produced on PVL go to the piglet departments at the fattening piggery where they are used in research.
In these two wards, we have provided space for 200 piglets that still need extra care.
The first days in the piglet pen are a critical time for piglet health.
By ensuring an optimal barn climate, a gradual transition of feed and sufficient rest in the barn, we aim to keep disease pressure as low as possible.
Distraction material for the piglets is provided in each pen, so they quickly get used to their new environment and each other.
Piglet manure storage is designed to minimise the escape of ammonia from the manure.
By keeping piglets in narrow pens with a clear feeding, lying and fattening area, we encourage natural behaviour so they do not fatten where they eat or sleep.
So by adding a manure channel to the back of the manure area and a water channel to the front of the feeding area, we no longer need to collect the manure over the entire area of the pen and the ammonia is less likely to spread throughout the barn.
Did you know:
Pigs that are happy perform better and will therefore grow faster? Pigs are naturally playful and curious animals, so it is important to provide sufficient play material, feed and comfort in the barn.