Zone 3
Innovative housing concept for pig rearing and finishing – more structure in the pen, greater flexibility, improved welfare
Zone 3 is a flexible housing concept for piglet rearing and pig finishing. At the heart of this innovative concept is the patented position of the two feed troughs, which are rotated by 90 degrees relative to the pen’s axis. This arrangement clearly separates the pen into three functional areas:
- resting area,
- eating area and
- area for defecating.
Vigtigste fordele
- Zone 3 can be used flexibly for different house layouts;
- the pigs’ natural behaviour within the structure of the pen is supported;
- the pigs are more comfortable and the group is calmer;
- the use of manure scrapers reduces emissions in the house;
- less work is required, particularly when removing manure from houses with continuous solid flooring.
Zone3: enhanced welfare for piglets and finishers
The Zone3 housing concept, developed by Big Dutchman, is characterised by eight important features that are implemented in every layout:
- the position of the feed troughs makes it easier for the pigs to separate the pen into the different functional areas;
- the movable or hinged-type horizontal plates with heat source (climate covers) and the solid pen partitions made from PVC create a protected, darker resting area with its own microclimate;
- in the resting area, bedding and organic enrichment material can be provided (also automatically) thanks to the closed surface;
- for feeding, either the SplitFeeding system or dry feeders from Big Dutchman can be used, all filled automatically by DryRapid 1500;
- the pen size is selected to enable optimal use of the available space, thus minimising building costs;
- the area for defecating is always equipped with drinkers, either nipple drinkers or drinking bowls. Open grids to the neighbouring pen encourage the pigs to defecate near these grids in the defecating area;
- the passages between the functional areas can be closed for animal inspection or cleaning;
- swivelling partitions in the eating area and in the area for defecating make manure removal easier and faster.
