WO2020242305A1

WO2020242305A1 - Pigpen for housing a group of pigs and use of such a pigpen

Info

Publication number: WO2020242305A1
Application number: PCT/NL2020/050339
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bertus DE JONG; Frank Wind; Tjacko Haje SIJPKENS
Original assignee: Zero Gravity Movement B.V.
Priority date: 2019-05-27
Filing date: 2020-05-27
Publication date: 2020-12-03
Also published as: NL2023205B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a pigpen (1) for housing a group of pigs comprising an enclosed living space accessible via at least one closable exit (8). The living space comprises a first compartment (2), a plurality of second compartments (3) and a plurality of third compartments (4) being located between the first compartment and the second compartments and each neighbouring at least one of the other third compartments. Each of the third compartments comprises a first closable passage (5) connecting the third compartment with the first compartment, a second closable passage (6) opposing the first passage, which second closable passage connects the third compartment with the second compartment, and two mutually opposing third closable passages (7), each connecting the third compartment with a neighbouring third compartment or one of the at least one exit. At least one third compartment adjoins one of the at least one exit and is via a third closable passage connected to said exit.

Description

Pigpen for housing a group of pigs and use of such a pigpen

The invention relates to a pigpen for housing a group of pigs an enclosed living space accessible via at least one closable exit, wherein the living space comprises multiple separate compartments. The invention also relates to the use of such a pigpen for housing a group of pigs. The invention moreover relates to the assembly of interconnected pigpens according to the invention.

In modern pig husbandry, it is known to house large numbers of pigs within a single large pigpen. As group pens allow the pigs to socially interact, and to display natural behaviour, such a single large pen improves upon pig living conditions. In order to facilitate the pigs in all their needs throughout their life cycle, group pens are typically provided with multiple separate compartments each tailored for fulfilling a different function. Said compartments may hereby e.g. function as transport area, social area, feeding area, defecating area, farrowing area, piglet area or cover area. Due to the plurality of different functions a group pigpen needs to provide for, a group pigpen typically features a large number of different compartments that each take up a considerable amount of space. The total footprint of a group pigpen therefore commonly well surpasses the footprint necessary to accommodate a conventional pigpen.

With an increase in the amount of space necessary to house a given amount of pigs, the costs involved with keeping said given amount of pigs increases.

Consequently financial aspects stand in the way of increasing quality of life for the pigs as often profitability outweighs pig living conditions.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an pigpen for housing a group of pigs that improves upon pig living conditions, preferably in a more cost-effective manner than the known group pens.

The invention hereto provides a pigpen for housing a group of pigs comprising an enclosed living space accessible via at least one closable exit, wherein the living space comprises at least one first compartment, a plurality of second

compartments and a plurality of third compartments being located between the first compartment and the second compartments and each neighbouring at least one of the other third compartments, wherein each of the third compartments comprises: a first closable passage connecting the third compartment with the first compartment; a second closable passage opposing the first closable passage, which second closable passage connects the third compartment with the second compartment; and two mutually opposing third closable passages, each connecting the third compartment with a neighbouring third compartment or one of the at least one closable exit,

wherein at least one third compartment adjoins one of the at least one closable exit and is via a third closable passage connected to said closable exit.

One key aspect of the pigpen according to the invention is the use of multiple second compartments and multiple third compartments in combination with a first compartment, the latter one commonly fulfilling the function of shared socializing space for multiple pigs, and in particular adult sows. Often, the pigpen comprises a single first compartment that, dependent on the closable passages being in open or closed position, stands in contact with the second compartments and third compartments. It is however also conceivable that the pigpen comprises multiple first compartments. Said multiple first compartments may hereby adjoin each other, wherein a separation wall separates the first compartments from each other, which separation wall may be provided with an additional closable passage for connecting the first compartments with each other. Alternatively, the multiple first

compartments may lie at a distance from each other, being interposed by one or more second and/or third compartments that may or may not allow for a passage between the first compartments. The second compartments are configured for each housing one or more farrowing sows and/or their suckling piglets. Taken in combination with the third compartment, in which case the second closable passage is in an open position, the second compartment could moreover function as an enlarged space for the (pregnant) sows or for the weaned piglets that were previously held in the second compartment as suckling piglets. The third

compartments by themselves could function as a space in which farrowing sows could retreat from their suckling piglets being housed in the second compartment. The third compartments could moreover function as a covering space housing one or more rearing sows and/or a boar. Finally, the third compartments could in a concatenated set-up wherein the third closable passages are in an open position function as a passageway through which pigs could be led towards the various compartments or to the closable exit of the pigpen. By selectively keeping the third closable passages open or closed, the pigs could automatically be led in the desired direction.

The flexible compartmentation of the pigpen thus creates a multifunctional living space tailored to the specific point in the life cycle of a pig community. In other words: the flexible layout of the pigpen is able to offer the pigs a living space that is adaptable to their needs at any given time during their life cycle. Due to this adaptability to the pigs needs, the pigpen moreover promotes the pigs to display more natural behaviour. In addition, the flexibility in the division of the space inside the pigpen allows for an optimal utilisation of the available ground surface, as all available ground surface forms living space for the pigs. No ground space is hereby lost on dedicated areas that are utilized only for certain during the pig community life cycle or on passageways and other areas that are only used for personnel or for the transfer of animals. As a result, the pigpen according to the present invention increases the living space per pig without increasing the pigpen’s footprint. With the adaptability to the life cycle of the pigs and facilitation of the natural behaviour of the pigs, as well as the increased living space, the pigpen according to the present invention is able to improve upon pig living conditions. Due to the optimal utilisation of the available ground surface, the pigpen moreover allows for a more cost effective pig husbandry than the known group pens, consequently making the choice for improving upon pig living conditions easier.

In a particular embodiment of the pigpen according to the invention the second compartments each neighbour at least one other second compartment, wherein each couple of neighbouring second compartments are separated by a separation wall. By positioning the second compartments against each other side by side, the pigpen is able to remain as compact as possible, taking up the least amount of ground surface. At least one area covered by two neighbouring second

compartments and third compartments may hereby take a substantially circular form or circular segment form. In a prevalent embodiment, every other consecutive area formed by two neighbouring second compartments and third compartments will be substantially circular. As will become apparent later on, the substantially circular area of the two neighbouring second compartments and two neighbouring third compartments especially lends itself for coverage by a feed dispensing system comprising a rotating feed dispensing arm.

Alternatively or additionally, each group of two neighbouring second compartments and two neighbouring third compartments may share a common intersection point adjoining each of said second and third compartments. In other words: the two neighbouring second compartments and two neighbouring third compartments may come together at a single location. Said location or common intersection point is particularly suited for sharing a single utility among the compartments. An example of such a utility is later on discussed in the form of a device for the collection and disposal of pig excrements.

The second compartments and the third compartments may be placed

concentrically around the first compartment, wherein the second compartments respectively the third compartments together form concentric circles or circle-like shapes around the first compartment. Preferably, the interconnected third compartments together have an annular shape , which encloses and connects to the first compartment. Said annular shape is typically interrupted by one or more exits of the pigpen. Preferably, a plurality of adjacent second compartments may have an annular shape or an annular segment shape, which encloses and connects to the (middle ring of) third compartments. Said annular shape (if applied) is typically interrupted by one or more exits of the pigpen. It is conceivable that the plurality of adjacent second compartments together form a plurality of annular segment shapes, wherein each annular segment shape is formed by one or more second compartments. Adjacent annular segment shapes are typically interrupted (distanced) by an exit of the pigpen.

The layout wherein the second compartments and third compartments are centred around the first compartment leads to a compact design of the pigpen, wherein the distances between the different compartments remain limited. Moreover, the total length of the walls of the pigpen is herewith reduced for a given ground surface area covered by the pigpen. These advantages become even more apparent in case that the first compartment has a substantially circular ground surface. An additional benefit of a first compartment with a substantially circular ground surface is that it lends itself for coverage by a feed dispensing system comprising a rotating feed dispensing arm. The layout of each second compartment is preferably identical. The layout of each third compartment is preferably identical. This identical layout of equivalent compartments allows the pigs to adapt themselves more easily and will provide the pigs a comfortable feeling in an efficient manner.

The pigpen may comprise two closable exits. At least one of said exits may be used for animals exiting and/or entering the pigpen. It is also possible that one exit is solely used for entry of animals into the pigpen while the other exit is solely used for animals exiting the pigpen. One of the exits may on the other hand be used for personnel entering and exiting the pigpen. Additionally the two closable exits may be located on mutually opposing sides of the pigpen such that a substantially symmetrical pen layout can be obtained for maximum compatibility with and easy connection to adjacent identical pigpens.

The first compartment may be directly connected to the at least one closable exit via a fourth closable passage to allow animals to leave the pigpen via the first compartment without passing through any third compartments.

In a possible embodiment of the pigpen, at least one of the second compartments comprises a common area and a plurality of portioned-off areas connected to the common area via a fifth closable passage which may be formed by a height adjustable gate configured for the selective passage of adult pigs, and in particular sows. The portioned-off areas, which are typically separated from the rest of the second compartment by means of a separation wall, can serve as farrowing areas for individual sows. Each second compartment may typically provide room for 2-6, and in particular 4 of said portioned-off areas. With the use of a height adjustable gate configured for the selective passage of adult pigs it becomes possible for the sow to leave the portioned-off area and thus the farrowing area without the piglets present in said portioned-off being able to follow the sow. The sow can herewith choose to separate itself temporarily from its piglets by retreating in the common area of the second compartment.

The second closable passages may comprise a height adjustable gate configured for the selective passage of adult pigs, and in particular sows. This height adjustable gate enables sows to move between a second compartment and an adjacent third compartment without smaller piglets being able to do the same. In an advanced weaning stage, wherein the suckling piglets have considerably increased in weight and need more space, the suckling piglets may be allowed to roam the entire second compartment. The height adjustable gate between the second and third compartment hereby allows the sow to separate itself temporarily from its piglets by retreating in the third compartment. Once the sow is no longer needed for breastfeeding, the sow may finally retreat to the first compartment. The height adjustable gate may consecutively be lowered to the point where the weaned piglets can move into the third compartment to effectively increase the living space of the weaned piglets to the combined area of a second and a third compartment. The height adjustable gate may finally be fully raised to block the passage for both piglets and mature pigs.

In yet another embodiment of the pigpen according to the invention the pigpen comprises at least one device for the collection and disposal of pig excrements, otherwise describable as a pig toilet. As pigs can be trained to defecate on a certain spot, such a device can be used for the efficient removal of excrements, thus benefitting hygiene conditions within the pigpen and making it possible to extend cleaning intervals. At least one of the at least one device for the collection and disposal of pig excrements may positioned centrally in the first compartment, thereby making the device easily accessible for all pigs present in the first compartment. Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the at least one device for the collection and disposal of pig excrements may be positioned at the intersection point of two neighbouring second compartments and two neighbouring third compartments, wherein the device for the collection and disposal of pig excrements is accessible from said two neighbouring second compartments and said two neighbouring third compartments. By making the device for the collection and disposal of pig excrements available from as many compartments as possible, a minimum amount of said devices need to be installed in the pigpen. This could lead to significant cost reductions.

Preferably, a floor of the pigpen is substantially entirely completely covered with sand. Typically, sand is present both on the floors of the first compartment(s), the second compartments, and the third compartments. The use of sand as natural material allows them to root into the sand, which provides the pigs a comfortable feeling. Typically, a floor of at least one of the at least one device for the collection and disposal of pig excrements is substantially free of sand, and is preferably made of a solid material, such as concrete and/or metal.

In still another embodiment of the pigpen according to the invention the pigpen comprises a feed dispensing system comprising at least one dispensing arm moveable overhead at least a part of the pigpen in a substantially horizontal plane for distributing feed across said pigpen. The application of such a feed dispensing system forgoes the need to free up ground surface for a feeding troughs. Moreover, the dispensing arm could apply a homogeneous and spread out layer of feed onto the pen ground surface. For this purpose, the at least one dispensing arm may be rotatably mounted onto a support structure. It is known that pigs are very

meticulous in separating their feeding area from their defecation area. Hence, applying an even layer of feed onto the pigpen living space will encourage the pigs to defecate in certain designated areas that are for this purpose kept clear of feed. In particular, with the aid of said feed dispensing system pigs could be motivated to solely defecate on a device specifically designed for the collection and disposal of pig excrements by only leaving this device clear of feed.

At least one support structure of the at least one dispensing arm may be positioned centrally in the first compartment. The central position of the support structure allows the dispensing arm to reach most of the first compartment, thereby being able to apply a layer of feed on substantially the entire ground surface of the first compartment. In a particularly advantageous layout, the first compartment has a substantially circular ground surface while the at least one dispensing arm is configured for rotation around the support structure such that the reach of the dispensing arm matches the shape of the ground surface of the first compartment.

In order to cover the ground surface of the second compartments and third compartments in an efficient manner at least one support structure of the at least one dispensing arm may be positioned at the intersection point of two neighbouring second compartments and two neighbouring third compartments. The dispensing arm may hereby cover a substantial part of the ground surface of the two

neighbouring second compartments and the two neighbouring third compartments. In a particularly advantageous layout, the area covered by two neighbouring second compartments and third compartments is substantially circular while the at least one dispensing arm is configured for rotation around the support structure such that the reach of the dispensing arm matches the shape of the ground surface of the two neighbouring second compartments and the two neighbouring third compartments.

Preferably, the pigpen comprises at least one roof covering both the first compartment, the plurality of second compartments, and the plurality of third compartments. In this manner, the pigs contained within the pigpen can be protected from wind, rain showers, sunshine, and other weather conditions. It is preferable that the pigpen comprises at least one circumferential wall surrounding substantially all compartments, in particular the plurality of second compartments. This could also lead to protection of the pigs against weather conditions.

Preferably, the roof and the circumferential together form a housing in which all compartments are located. The housing may be substantially closed or may be partially open, e.g. at the one or more exits of the pigpen. Hence, the pigpen is preferably an indoor pigpen. The pigpen is preferably provided with an air- conditioning system. This allows a controlled regulation of the (micro)climate, in particular the temperature and/or relative humidity, within the pigpen.

The invention also relates to the use of a pigpen according to any of the preceding claims, wherein: at least one first compartment is used as shared socializing space for multiple pigs, in particular adult sows; at least one second compartment is used for housing one or more farrowing sows and/or their suckling piglets; at least one third compartment is used: as a passageway through which pigs could be led towards the various compartments or to the closable exit of the pigpen, and/or as a space in which farrowing sows could retreat from their suckling piglets being housed in the second compartment, and/or as a covering space for one or more rearing sows and/or a boar, and/or as a space for treating, preferably medically treating, one or more pigs. The third compartments, typically enclosed as intermediate compartments (or transition compartments) situated in between the first compartment(s) and the second compartments, could have a multifunctional character. The invention moreover relates to an assembly of a plurality of interconnected pigpens according to the invention, wherein adjacent pigpens are preferably interconnected by a tunnel and/or a closable passage, such as a gate. Preferably, an exit of a pigpen is connected to at least one exit of an adjacent pigpen.

However, it is also conceivable that a second compartment of a pigpen is connected to a second compartment of an adjacent pigpen, wherein a closable passage may be applied in between said second compartments; and/or that a third compartment of a pigpen is connected to a third compartment of an adjacent pigpen, wherein a closable passage may be applied in between said third compartments.

The invention will now be elucidated on the basis of a non-limitative exemplary embodiment which is illustrated in figure 1 , showing a floor plan of a pigpen according to the invention.

In the floor plan of a pigpen (1 ) according to the invention as shown in figure 1 , multiple compartments (2, 3, 4) are visible. Specifically, the shown pigpen (1 ) comprises a centrally positioned first compartment (2), a dozen of neighbouring third compartments (4) positioned around the first compartment (2) and being directly adjacent to the first compartment (2), and a dozen of neighbouring second compartments (3) positioned around the first compartment (2) and third

compartments (4) and being directly adjacent to the third compartments (4). The third compartments (4) hereby lie between the first compartment (2) and the second compartments (3). In the depicted embodiment of the pigpen (1 ) according to the invention the first compartment (2) has a substantially circular ground surface. Moreover, every other group of two neighbouring second compartments (3) and two neighbouring third compartments (4) is substantially circular. In particular the ground surface of said groups of two neighbouring second

compartments (3) and two neighbouring third compartments (4) takes the shape of a regular hexagon with rounded corners.

The third compartments (4) are each provided with four closable passages (5, 6, 7). A first closable passage (5) connects each third compartment (4) with the first compartment (2). A second closable passage (6), which is provided in an wall of the third compartment (4) opposing the wall of the third compartment (4) provided with the first closable passage (5), connects the third compartment (4) with the second compartment (3). Finally, two mutually opposing third closable passages (7) each connecting the third compartment (4) with a neighbouring third compartment (4) or an exit (8) of the pigpen (1 ).

The shown pigpen (1 ) comprises two closable exits (8) provided on mutually opposing sides of the pigpen (1 ). The closable exits (8) of the pigpen (1 ) could be used for the entry and exit of pigs into and from the pigpen (1 ). Alternatively one of the exits (8) could be used for personnel accessing the pigpen (1 ). The exits (8) are connected to the adjacent third compartments (4) as well as directly to the first compartment (2). The exits (8) are closable by means of the third closable passages (7) of the third compartments (4) adjacent to the exits (8) and by means of two fourth closable passages (9) provided in the wall of the first compartment (2). The third closable passages (7) of the third compartments (4) could be opened to create a continuous passageway through which animals could be driven from the third compartments (4) as well as the first compartment (2) and second

compartments (3) towards the exits (8) and vice versa.

The second compartments (3) each comprise a common area (10) and a plurality of portioned-off areas (1 1 ) connected to the common area (10) by means of closable passages (12). Said closable passages (12) may hereby be formed by height adjustable gates configured to allow for a selective passage of adult pigs, and in particular sows. It is moreover possible that more or even all of the closable passages (5, 6, 7) provided in the first, second and third compartments (2, 3, 4) are embodied as height adjustable gates. In the shown pigpen (1 ) each second compartment comprises four portioned-off areas (1 1 ). It is however also possible that, dependent on the intended use of the pigpen (1 ), the second compartments (3) comprise a different number of portioned-off areas (1 1 ).

The shown pigpen (1 ) further comprises seven devices (13) for the collection and disposal of pig excrements. One of said devices (13) is positioned centrally in the first compartment (2). The other six of said devices (13) are positioned at the intersection points (14) of two neighbouring second compartments (3) and two neighbouring third compartments (4). Each of these six devices (13) for the collection and disposal of pig excrements are hereby accessible from the two neighbouring second compartments (3) and the two neighbouring third

compartments (4).

The shown pigpen (1 ) finally comprises a feed dispensing system (15) comprising a number of dispensing arms (16) moveable overhead the pigpen (1 ) in a

substantially horizontal plane for distributing feed across the pigpen (1 ). Each dispensing arm (16) is suspended from or supported by a support structure (17), wherein the dispensing arm (16) is able to rotate around said support structure (17). Two support structures (17) are positioned centrally in the first compartment (2) to allow the therewith supported dispensing arms (16) to cover substantially the entire ground surface of the first compartment (2). The support structures (17) of the remaining dispensing arms (16) are positioned at the intersection points (14) of two neighbouring second compartments (3) and two neighbouring third

compartments (4) such that these dispensing arms (16) are able to cover substantially the entire ground surface of said two neighbouring second

compartments (3) and two neighbouring third compartments (4). The use and functioning of the pigpen (1 ) according to the invention have already been described in the preceding part of the above description in a more detailed manner.

The above-described inventive concept is illustrated by several illustrative embodiments. It is conceivable that individual inventive concepts may be applied without, in so doing, also applying other details of the described example. It is not necessary to elaborate on examples of all conceivable combinations of the above- described inventive concepts, as a person skilled in the art will understand numerous inventive concepts can be (re)combined in order to arrive at a specific application.

It will be apparent that the invention is not limited to the working examples shown and described herein, but that numerous variants are possible within the scope of the attached claims that will be obvious to a person skilled in the art.

The verb“comprise” and conjugations thereof used in this patent publication are understood to mean not only“comprise”, but are also understood to mean the phrases“contain”,“substantially consist of”,“formed by” and conjugations thereof.

Claims

1 . Pigpen for housing a group of pigs comprising an enclosed living space accessible via at least one closable exit, wherein the living space comprises a first compartment, a plurality of second compartments and a plurality of third

compartments being located between the first compartment and the second compartments and each neighbouring at least one of the other third compartments, wherein each of the third compartments comprises:

- a first closable passage connecting the third compartment with the first compartment,

- a second closable passage opposing the first closable passage, which second closable passage connects the third compartment with the second compartment, and

- two mutually opposing third closable passages, each connecting the third compartment with a neighbouring third compartment or one of the at least one closable exit,

2. Pigpen according to claim 1 , wherein the second compartments each neighbour at least one other second compartment, wherein each couple of neighbouring second compartments are separated by a separation wall.

3. Pigpen according to claim 2, wherein at least one area covered by two neighbouring second compartments and third compartments is substantially circular.

4. Pigpen according to claim 2 or 3, wherein each group of two neighbouring second compartments and two neighbouring third compartments share a common intersection point adjoining each of said second and third compartments.

5. Pigpen according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second compartments and the third compartments are placed concentrically around the first compartment, wherein the second compartments respectively the third compartments together form concentric circles around the first compartment.

6. Pigpen according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first

compartment has a substantially circular ground surface.

7. Pigpen according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the pigpen comprises two closable exits.

8. Pigpen according to claim 7, wherein the two closable exits are located on mutually opposing sides of the pigpen.

9. Pigpen according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first

compartment is directly connected to the at least one closable exit via a fourth closable passage.

10. Pigpen according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the second compartments comprises a common area and a plurality of portioned-off areas connected to the common area via a height adjustable gate configured for the selective passage of adult pigs, and in particular sows.

1 1. Pigpen according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second closable passages comprise a height adjustable gate configured for the selective passage of adult pigs, and in particular sows.

12. Pigpen according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the pigpen comprises at least one device for the collection and disposal of pig excrements.

13. Pigpen according to claim 12, wherein at least one of the at least one device for the collection and disposal of pig excrements is positioned centrally in the first compartment.

14. Pigpen according to claim 4 and claims 12 or 13, wherein at least one of the at least one device for the collection and disposal of pig excrements is positioned at the intersection point of two neighbouring second compartments and two

neighbouring third compartments, wherein the device for the collection and disposal of pig excrements is accessible from said two neighbouring second compartments and said two neighbouring third compartments.

15. Pigpen according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a floor of the pigpen is substantially entirely completely covered with sand.

16. Pigpen according to claim one of claims 12-14 and claim 15, wherein a floor of at least one of the at least one device for the collection and disposal of pig excrements is substantially free of sand, and is preferably made of a solid material.

17. Pigpen according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the pigpen comprises a feed dispensing system comprising at least one dispensing arm moveable overhead at least a part of the pigpen in a substantially horizontal plane for distributing feed across said pigpen.

18. Pigpen according to claim 17, wherein the at least one dispensing arm is rotatably mounted onto a support structure.

19. Pigpen according to claim 17 or 18, wherein at least one support structure of the at least one dispensing arm is positioned centrally in the first compartment.

20. Pigpen according to claim 4 and one of claims 17-19, wherein at least one support structure of the at least one dispensing arm is positioned at the intersection point of two neighbouring second compartments and two neighbouring third compartments.

21 . Pigpen according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the pigpen comprises at least one roof covering both the first compartment, the plurality of second compartments, and the plurality of third compartments.

22. Pigpen according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the pigpen comprises at least one circumferential wall surrounding the plurality of second compartments, preferably for substantially closing the pigpen from the outdoor environment.

23. Pigpen according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the pigpen is an indoor pigpen, wherein the first compartment, the plurality of second compartments, and the plurality of third compartments are substantially separated from the outdoor environment.

24. Pigpen according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the pigpen is provided with an air-conditioning system.

25. Use of a pigpen according to any of the preceding claims, wherein:

at least one first compartment is used as shared socializing space for multiple pigs, in particular adult sows;

at least one second compartment is used for housing one or more farrowing sows and/or their suckling piglets;

at least one third compartment is used:

o as a passageway through which pigs could be led towards the

various compartments or to the closable exit of the pigpen, and/or o as a space in which farrowing sows could retreat from their suckling piglets being housed in the second compartment, and/or o as a covering space for one or more rearing sows and/or a boar, and/or

o as a space for treating, preferably medically treating, one or more pigs.

26. Assembly of a plurality of interconnected pigpens according to any of claims 1 -25, wherein adjacent pigpens are preferably interconnected by a tunnel and/or a closable passage.