Open-fronted barn with outdoor run for pigs

Situation

Animal welfare also plays a key role in pig farming. In practical terms, this means more light, fresh air, space and enrichment for the animals in the barn. These requirements are reflected above all in the planning and implementation of new barn constructions and conversions. Since 2019, the four-tier housing classification system introduced by the Animal Welfare Initiative has also raised awareness within the retail sector, the agricultural industry and among consumers. In addition to more space in the barn, the two higher levels, ‘3 Outdoor Climate’ and ‘4 Premium’, also require access to outdoor areas and contact with the outdoor environment. These are requirements that farmer Jens Haman from Beesten in Lower Saxony also wanted to meet when building a new pig fattening barn.

Solution

To meet changing requirements and consumer preferences, Haman built a new open-fronted barn with an outdoor run in 2022, accommodating a total of 480 fattening pigs (German Landrace and Pietrain-Duroc boars). Each of the 24 pens can hold 20 animals weighing between 30 and 115 kilograms. Two additional pens are reserved for animals requiring special monitoring. On average, each pig has 1.58 m²of pen space available. 
Based on the pigs’ varying climate and living requirements, the housing concept comprises three distinct areas: a cold zone, a warm zone and a resting zone. The animals can choose between these areas and move freely throughout the year. In addition to windbreak nets, Lubratec roll-up vents are used to separate the warm and cold zones. The bottom-opening vents ensure more fresh air in the barn and enable a natural exchange of barn air. This guarantees high air quality throughout the barn building, even under changing outdoor weather conditions. In addition to sufficient fresh air, natural daylight also enters the barn.
In the warm section of the barn, the cubicles can be covered with fabric covers. The fabric-covered aluminium frames are impressive due to their low weight and ease of handling. Using functional and low-maintenance movement technology via wire ropes and pulleys, these can be raised and lowered by electric servomotors. Optionally, the cubicle covers can be fitted with additional insulation material (e.g. non-woven fabrics, hemp mats). 
In addition, a Lubratec Stabidoor was installed as a protective gate for intensive use, even under high wind loads. Lubratec roller shutters were used as a safe and flexible windbreak.

Advantages

Optimal barn climate thanks to external environmental stimuli: The natural stimuli of the surroundings, such as fresh air and daylight in the barn, have a positive influence on the animals’ behaviour and enhance their well-being.

Advantages of open housing:

• Fresh air and natural weather conditions such as heat, cold, humidity, wind and sun ensure greater well-being
• Space available for the animals significantly exceeds the legal minimum standard and ensures greater freedom of movement
• More natural daylight / Perceptible day-night cycles
• Animal-friendly, separate functional areas (lying, eating, defecating, moving) ensure better hygiene in the barn
• Free choice between warm, bedded-down resting areas (winter) or wet, cool concrete floors (summer) for greater comfort
• Overall, greater animal welfare means more robust, vigorous and balanced animals
• Greater environmental protection: low emissions and a good CO₂balance (minimal energy consumption for ventilation and heating)

Advantages of pen covers: 

• A simple way to darken rest areas
• The perforated surface allows for constant air exchange whilst providing an insulating effect
• Prevents condensation build-up thanks to the perforated cover 
• Easy to open and close thanks to motorised operation, optionally with electronic control 
• Low weight reduces the risk of injury and facilitates movement