Abstract: Solid flooring with extra space for finishers

Type and Average of Pigs on the Farm

200 sows, 1,000 weaners, and 2,000 grower-finishers.

Farming System

Intensive production system.

Description and Evaluation of the Good Practice

95% of finisher facilities in the country are fully slatted with slurry stored underneath until field spreading. This facility introduces solid flooring, increased space allowance, dual accessible areas for pigs, and active slurry removal to reduce environmental emissions. Designed for low-emission and improved welfare, the building includes one naturally ventilated area with an automatic curtain and another mechanically ventilated area with positive pressure airflow. Flooring consists of 70% solid and 30% slatted surfaces, with slurry removed via scraper to an external covered tank. Operational since 2023, it houses around 200 fattening pigs in 8 pens.

Farm Context

• Pigs
  Genetics not specified. The design allows pigs to choose between two zones with different temperatures and stocking densities, supporting thermoregulation and social behavior. The different zones create clear functional zones for the pigs to occupy and also for pigs to get away from hostile animals in a fight situation
• Environmental Enrichment
  Straw provided in rack as required (not ad-lib).
• Housing and Management Characteristics
  Space allowance: 1.4 m²/pig
  Pen design: 16 m × 2.5 m, 4 wet-dry feeders, 2 bowl drinkers, canopy on inside area
  Floor type: 70% solid, 30% slatted with provision of some straw.
• Management Practices
  More labor-intensive due to cleaning and loading. Improved air quality benefits staff. Hygiene is harder to maintain; solid flooring increases risk of leg damage. Washing requires more time due to embedded dirt on solid surfaces.

Economic Analysis

Construction cost: €1,200/pig. Labor: 1.5× more for cleaning. Growth performance: same as conventional systems.

Environmental Analysis

80% reduction in ammonia emissions. Easier manure management. Positive impact on air quality and respiratory health. Functional zones improve behavior and comfort. Slurry handled externally, reducing emissions.

Replicable Benefits and Relevance for Other EU Countries

This practice enhances welfare through increased space, solid flooring with bedding, and functional zones. It reduces aggression, improves comfort, and supports pigs with long tails. Scalable across farm sizes with adjustments to ventilation, flooring, and feeding systems. EU farmers could adopt this with support schemes and facility assessments.