Effective Pig Farm Odor Management: Eliminate Pig Smells

A pigsty is a small-scale outdoor enclosure for raising domestic pigs as livestock. It is sometimes called a hog pen, hog parlor, or pigpen.

Pigs are single-stomach animals (non-ruminate). Their efficiency in digesting feed is relatively low compared to ruminant animals like goats, sheep, and cattle, which have their stomachs subdivided into four segments or chambers.

Under such circumstances, the feces that pigs pass out are bound to have some undigested organic matter that attracts bacteria to feast on. Bacterial action on organic matter in the feces leads to a foul smell and irritations.

Some bacterial activity on the feces starts right from the intestines, so by the time they come out, they are already smelly.

The irritating stench in the feces combined with that of urine is intolerable and can attract complaints from the neighbors if your piggery is located in a residential area.

How Can Farmers Mitigate the Odor Issue at Their Farms?

a). Routine Cleaning:

Keeping up a regular cleaning schedule is essential for minimizing odors. The farmer can eliminate accumulated waste and stop the accumulation of odor-producing materials by sweeping and scrubbing the pigsty.

b). Adequate Ventilation:

As the air inside the pig sty is properly exchanged, any scents are dispersed, and the environment is kept fresh. Better airflow and ventilation may be made possible by large windows.

c). IMO (Indigenous Micro-Organisms):

Indigenous microorganisms can be used to manage odor in a natural and environmentally beneficial way. They can aid in the breakdown of organic materials and lessen the offensive smell by introducing helpful bacteria to the farm.

d). Murram and Dry Grass as Flooring and Bedding:

Murram, which is a type of stabilized soil, can be an effective flooring option as it allows for good drainage and helps reduce moisture that can contribute to odors. Dry grass used as bedding can also help absorb excess moisture and odors.

e). Proper Disposal of Garbage:

Set up a waste collection and removal system that effectively eliminates pig waste from the enclosures. Clean the pigpens on a regular basis and transport the waste to a special location far from the piggery.

f). Composting:

Create a composting system for pig waste. Composting can aid in the degradation of organic material and the elimination of unpleasant odors. Utilize the compost as a natural fertilizer for crops, gardens, or landscaping to increase the value of your business.

g). Separate Locations for Eating and Sleeping:

Feeding spaces should be kept apart from sleeping and resting places. By preventing the pigs from urinating and defecating in their sleeping area, the overall odor is diminished.

h). Feed Additives for Pigs:

Think about including feed additives that help lessen the smell of pig manure. Certain supplements can increase the feed's digestibility, which could result in fewer undigested byproducts and, thus, less odor.

The employment of advantageous bacteria in microbial treatments aims to hasten the decomposition of organic materials in pig dung. These microorganisms can lessen the unpleasant odor and encourage a healthier environment.

i). Using Biofilters:

Install biofilters in the ventilation system of the pig house. Biofilters are made to capture and decompose odor-producing substances, minimizing the stench that escapes outdoors.

j). Regular Disinfecting and Cleaning: The piggery house should be periodically cleaned, emptying any waste that has accumulated, and disinfected to reduce bacterial development and odors.

k). Place and Distance:

Consider situating the piggery house a respectable distance away from residential areas, if at all possible. This can lessen the likelihood of neighbors complaining.

l). Consultation With Professionals:

Consult with pig farming specialists or agricultural extension agents to determine the precise measures that are best for the location and size of your pig farm.

The Best Way to Construct a Pigsty

The pigsty should prioritize the pigs' comfort, with good ventilation, shade, and protection from overheating, drafts, and dampness. The building's length axis should face East-West to shield it from sun and rain.

Good Principles for Constructing a Piggery House:

1). Location:

Select a suitable location for the piggery unit that is easily accessible through a good all-weather road. Well-drained soils are essential to prevent waterlogging and maintain a dry environment for the pigs. Placing the piggery at least 30 meters away from residential areas helps avoid inconveniences and complaints from neighbors due to potential odor and noise issues. Ground cover such as grass and bushes can be beneficial as it reduces ground reflection and provides a natural environment for the pigs.

Consider constructing the pig pen so that its longitudinal axis faces north to south. In particular, if the house floors are wet, this enables maximum sun exposure, which can help dry the pigsty and reduce dampness. For the pigs' health and comfort, a dry, well-ventilated environment is essential.

2). Design:

In tropical areas with hot climates, it is best to opt for simple, open-sided structures for pig houses. Open sides enable maximum ventilation, allowing for the efficient removal of odors and heat buildup. Adequate ventilation helps keep the air fresh and minimizes the risk of heat stress in pigs. Simple construction using affordable materials, such as iron sheets or grass thatch for the roof, can keep costs down while maintaining functionality.

3). Roof Supporting Poles:

Place the roof supporting poles in the corners of the pen rather than in the middle. This arrangement minimizes inconvenience for both the pigs and caretakers by providing more open space within the pen for the pigs to move freely. It also facilitates easier access and management of the pigs.

4). Walls:

The walls of the pig house shield the animals from bad weather, including torrential rain, ferocious winds, and intense sunlight. These provide the animals with a feeling of security as well. Bricks, wood scraps, or iron sheets are frequently used in low-cost pig houses to build walls. These materials are widely accessible and reasonably priced in many places.

5). Floor:

The construction of the floor depends on the budget and the farmer's preferences for managing pig excreta.

Several options are available:

1. Slatted Wood: This type of floor is suspended and made of wooden planks with gaps or slits between them. The gaps allow waste to fall through, keeping the floor cleaner and drier.
2. Concrete: A concrete floor is dependable, simple to maintain, and appropriate for waste management. To avoid waterlogging, proper drainage should be offered nonetheless.
3. Murram: A stabilized soil that can be used for the floor is called murram. It is affordable and gives the pigs a natural surface.
4. Litter Murram and Probiotic Combination (IMO): This floor technology, commonly known as IMO, involves using indigenous microorganisms to manage waste and odors effectively. It is an eco-friendly option that is gaining popularity in the tropics.

6). Wide Roof Overhangs:

They are essential for shading the pigs and shielding them from the elements. Pigs are sensitive to high temperatures, so adequate shade is necessary to minimize heat stress.

7). Shaded Ventilation Opening:

Installing a shaded ventilation opening along the roof ridge helps to create an escape route for hot air that accumulates under the roof. This design promotes better airflow and temperature regulation within the pig house, contributing to a more comfortable environment for the animals.

8). Painted White Roof:

Painting the iron sheet roof white can help reduce the intensity of solar radiation and heat absorption. This can keep the interior of the pig house more relaxed and more comfortable for the pigs.

9). Thatch Layer:

In some cases, a layer of thatch (approximately 5cm thick) can be attached by wire netting and placed beneath a galvanized steel roof. This can further enhance insulation and temperature control within the pig house.

10). Ridge Height for Thatched Roof:

If using thatch as the roofing material for a pig house with two rows of pens and a central feeding alley, a ridge height of five to six meters may be necessary to accommodate the thatched roof design.

Conclusion

Pig farmers may build pig houses that are affordable, useful, and provide a cozy, healthy home for the pigs in the tropics by following these concepts and recommendations. Pigs must be productive in order for any piggery operation to be successful, and properly constructed pig houses help reduce stress and guarantee this. A well-built and maintained pigsty can also help promote more ethical and sustainable farming practices.