<%@LANGUAGE="JavaScript1.3"%> Swine Health Management - Floor  
   
 

Problems Experienced with Floors
Internal bio-security an important aspect of disease control. Lime washing can prove an inexpensive part of the cleaning program.
If the lime is not allowed to dry however, it can scald pigs. Leaving feces in corners negates all the cleaning,
As part of the routine check ensure that the farm is clean. Check that farrowing crates are big enough to accommodate the sows.
Holes which can damage legs can occur because of unfilled breeze blocks at floor level. Steps which are too severe can result in leg injury.
 
Poorly made breeze blocks cause severe damage to legs and feet. Check the floor gap is not too large that the pigs can damage their feet.
The lying area needs to be looked after, poor bedding leads to encroachment. Check that the stocking rate is correct for the weight of pigs.
Sharp edges on the bottom of metal work, typically doors. Metal doors which are rotting and corroding at the bottom.
Sharp points sticking out from a wall. Pieces of the metal floor not been repaired resulting in extreme risk of pig injury.
New floors poorly made and rough can be a major source of lameness in pigs. Flooring starting to erode.
Corrosion of the end of a slat. Corrosion continues until pigs can damage their legs and feet.
The slat resulted in a piglet losing its toe. Large hole in the floor and lame gilts.
Slats which have become displaced. Old slats showing considerable wear. Note the unworn area covered by the feeder.
Floors not properly looked after can collapse completely. Metal work rusting and corroding can cause problems for the pig.