Mating unit
Danish legislation stipulates that sows be kept loose or in groups from weaning until farrowing except for 3 days during insemination in sow housing established after 2015. From 2035 all pig unit must comply with these requirements.
The mating unit represents the first stage in the sow reproduction cycle, and it is used for insemination of gilts and sows. Boars are housed in pens with limited contact to gilts and sows. During insemination the boar might be used for stimulation of estrus in the females by moving in front of the mating stalls. Blocking gates are used to control the location of the boar in front of the females which produces a strong behavioral effect showing if they are ready for insemination. Therefore, free access stalls are commonly installed as a safe housing system in new mating units since it allows control of individual feed intake, sow body condition while protecting the animals which is essential to obtain a high productivity
The design of the mating unit might vary. Often, the design includes an area with free access stalls and a lowered free space area with drained flooring and bedding. Sows and gilts are normally kept in the mating unit until 4 weeks after insemination and then moved to the gestation unit. For inspiration check out which design that might best suit your housing project.
Mating stall
The mating stall is designed so that it provides ample space for both the sow and the staff while facilitating a strong stimulation of estrus and high reproduction performance. The stall is made with saloon gates making it easy to move the gilt or sow into the stall, while the staff can enter the stall without opening the gate. The stall design allows implementation of either a poly trough or a stainless suspended trough. The stall is standard with prefabricated bars in front but can also be fitted with a front gate. The stall is galvanized and with solid legs. Stainless steel fastening secures a long durability of the stall.
Facts
- Height: 100 cm
- Width: 55 – 70 cm
- Length incl. front bars: 234 cm – might be extended 10 cm
- Water supply with a stainless ½” stainless drop pipe for each two sows or Aquaflow
- Possibility of suspended stainless trough
- Hot-dip galvanized surface protection
- Fastening in floor with stainless steel bolts
UK mating unit
UK animal welfare legislation requires that the sows must be able to move around freely. That is why Vissing Agro’s free access stall (FAS) is a good choice. It is designed with a special rear part allowing it to facililtate AI. The FAS has been developed with focus on providing amble space for both and staff facilitating stimulation of the sow before insemination and high reproduction performance. The strong and animal shaped rear gate provides easy access for the sow to access the stall, while the gate protects the sows and prevents other animals from getting into the FAS. The front part of the FAS is designed to provide easy access for treatment of the sow.
Free Access Stall
Vissing Agro’s free access stall (FAS) is the most robust and appraised product of its kind and the original design has been maintained. The FAS is designed so that the sow can easily move in and out of it. When the sow is inside the FASl, other sows cannot enter the same stall. The FASs can be locked sequentially as well as individually both from the front and rear end of the stall.
It is recommended that the FAS be locked one hour before feeding to achieve low activity around feeding time. The FAS should be opened again after inspection and feeding. The specially designed powerful and animal shaped gate in the rear end of the stall provides easy access for the sow while preventing other sows from jumping into the FAS.
The front gate has been designed so that the staff can manage and handle the sow safely and easily. The sides of the FAS and the low rear gate makes it suitable for AI.
Facts
- Height: 100 cm
- • Width: 65, 70 and 75 cm
- Length incl. trough model L:240 cm
- Length incl. trough model XL: 250 cm
- Water supply with a ½ ” drop pipe for each two sows
- The sow can freely access and leave the FAS.
- The sow can enter but cannot exit the FAS until the lock is released.
- Sows in the group pen cannot enter the FAS if it is occupied.
- Manually or automatically opening of rows
- Release of the lock individually, manually
- The FAS is designed for AI.
