Solutions for the farrowing of outdoor kept sows

In Tuscany region a local race - Cinta Senese - is usually bred following old managerial systems, which often cause very low productive performances. Simple building solutions were designed, suitable for an extensive breeding, with particular interest in farrowing phase. In 2 experimental outdoor pig farms (A, B), fences with farrowing huts were arranged: (a) pyramidal hut realized with sandwich panels and expanded polyurethane inside; (b) trapezoid section hut realized with sandwich panels and expanded polyurethane inside; (c) timber “A” shaped hut; (d) hut with an electro welded metallic frame covered with straw bales. In farm A 3 huts in a single fence were compared (a, b, d). In farm B 3 different fences were realized, each with a different kind of hut (a, c, d). Behavioural and microclimatic parameters were collected in both farms. In the first farm the sows could choose among 3 different kinds of huts (a, b, d), enabling to examine any sow preferences for the farrowing period. In farm B behavioural data for each sow kept in each different pen were collected. The sow’s preference is clearly towards the hut made of straw bales. Even when 2 sows are inserted in an enclosure with an interval of some days between each other, both the sows choose the straw hut, also if other huts are available. In the first 3 days after farrowing the sow remains inside the hut for about 90% of daily time (89.2%) and devotes 29.3% of time to suckling. At the 20th day the sow spends 35% of time outside. From the thermal point of view, the straw hut (d) is suitable for all the seasons. Especially in extreme seasons it shows properties of damping and shifting of thermal waves, consequently the temperature remains closer to thermal comfort conditions of the animals in comparison to other examined solutions. The thermal performances of the huts realized with sandwich panels and insulating material improve clearly when a protection with reed-matting is arranged on the outside. The solution with straw bales can easily be built even by the breeder. Consequently the cost for its realisation is very low. This housing solution has aroused great interest among the breeders involved in the test.