GB1346112A - Circular sty for breeding sows and piglets - Google Patents

Abstract

1346112 Circular pig sty J WAGNER 18 Sept 1971 43628/71 Heading AIM A circular pig sty comprises a circular inner space encircled, in order, by a ring of dung depositing areas, restrictive bays within wedge shaped areas, and an outer ring of feeding troughs for sows. The bays, troughs and dung depositing areas rotate with respect to a food supply source and dung removal means. The food supply source continuously feeds the troughs according to a controlled programme. The dung is removed by a scraper slide which directs the dung to a collecting channel. Ventilation fans are also provided. The modifications described are:- (a) When piglets are 0-4 days old, each restrictive bay is diagonally disposed in its wedge area and a heated space is provided for the piglets. (b) When piglets are 4-8 days old each bay is radially disposed and the whole wedge area is accessible to the piglets. A brush prevents access to the scraper slide. (c) To effect early weaning, heated liquid feed is supplied via artificial nipples, situated at the outer periphery of the sty, which slowly rotates with respect to the wedge areas. The liquid feed may be replaced at a later stage by subdivided food troughs which may be situated within the wedge areas. (d) the circular inner space may, except for a peripheral area providing access for men, be used for rearing weaned piglets. The space may be raised above the outer bays and a central feeding trough is provided. The central space may rotate with respect to the outer bays. Dung removal is assisted by scavenging sprays or jets. (e) The wedge areas may wholly comprise the restrictive pens when renewed covering of sows is required. The inner area, which may rotate with respect to the outer pens, is divided into bays for boars. Access to the sows is automaticaly supervised.