Mechanized Pig Production

Mechanized Pig Production

Pawan Kumar¹, Karan Mahar², Aparna Raj²

¹PhD Scholar, Indian Veterinary Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly

²PhD Scholar, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana

Corresponding author- Pawan Kumar (pawankumawat249@gmail.com)

 Introduction

Mechanization of pig farming in India has been gaining attention due to its potential to improve efficiency, productivity, and hygiene standards in the industry. Traditionally, pig farming in India has been largely manual and small-scale, with limited mechanization. However, there is a growing recognition of the need for modernization to meet increasing demand for pork and to enhance the livelihoods of farmers. In developed country pig farming has  significantly evolved through mechanization, advanced technology such as automated feeding system climate controlled housing and robotic task like cleaning and sorting have increase efficiency and productivity with cost effective manner while ensuring better animal welfare. These advancements streamline operation enhances monitoring and optimize resources utilization in the pig farming industries.

The modernization of livestock farming can play an important role in the preventive and control of zoonosis. At the same time many mechanical equipment used in production chain of large scale livestock production farms can improve labour productivity, increase farming efficiency, improve the quality of livestock products and reduces the load on environment, large scale farm supported with different mechanized facilities with automatic environment monitoring and control, utilization of manure of pig and harmless treatment of dead animals carcass to reduces the risk of diseases occurrence. Technological innovation in livestock production farm equipment improves the pig health, control and prevents diseases, and improved microclimate of piggery house. These technologies accelerate the application of automation, information and intelligent equipment in statistical monitoring leading to, genetic improvement and production performance. Electricity in modern mechanized pig farm is vital part for heating and automation system for feeding, watering, hygiene, and sanitation

Focus Field of Mechanized Pig Farming

Machinery in modern mechanized pig farming

1. Mechanized Feeding Equipment

Dry feed feeding system

1. Widely used in piggery
2. Basic equipment for large scale pig farming
3. Parts of equipment -Feed bin, conveying pipe, scraper, chain, driving device, corner device, discharge mechanism

Wet feed feeding system

A wet feed feeding system for a piggery involves providing pigs with a diet that is in a semi-liquid or wet form rather than dry feed. Equipment of wet feed feeding system includeswater conveying and mixing device.

This system has several advantages, including improved feed intake, better digestion, and reduced feed wastage.

Precision control feeding equipment

1. Feed distribution system: This system is responsible for distributing the feed evenly to the feeding stations or troughs. It can consist of augers, pipes, or chutes.
2. Automatic feeders: Automatic feeders dispense the feed at predetermined times or based on the weight of the pigs. They can be gravity-fed or mechanically operated.
3. Feed monitoring system: These systems monitor feed levels in the storage silos or bins and can alert the farmer when it’s time to refill.
4. Sensor based feed control system: Sensors such as weight sensors or motion sensors can be used to monitor feed consumption and detect any issues with the feeding system.
5. Remote Monitoring and Control: Some automated feeding systems offer remote monitoring and control capabilities, allowing farmers to monitor and adjust the system from a smart phone or computer.

 Drinking water system

A mechanized drinking water system for a piggery can greatly improve efficiency, hygiene, and water conservation. Here’s a general outline of how such a system might be designed:

• Piping Network: Design a network of pipes to distribute water throughout the piggery. Use durable materials such as PVC or stainless steel to withstand the harsh environment and potential corrosion from pig waste.
• Automatic waterers: Install automatic waterers at various locations within the pig pens or housing areas. These waterers should be designed to accommodate the size and drinking habits of pigs, ensuring easy access to water without wastage.
• Water Pressure regulation system: Implement pressure regulators to maintain consistent water pressure throughout the system, preventing leaks and ensuring all waterers deliver an adequate flow of water.
• Monitoring and control system: Install sensors and monitoring devices to track water usage, detect leaks, and ensure the system is functioning properly. This can include automated control systems to adjust water flow or trigger alarms in case of abnormalities.
• Equipment parts- water pipe, filters, pressure, reducing valve and automatic drinking water device
• Types of drinking water system- Duck beak type, Nipple type, Cup (bow) type pig water dispenser

2. Mechanizations in microclimate of pig farm management

Microclimate or in house environment factor such as temperature, humidity, harmful gasses, dust, ventilation, light etc. are regulated by different equipment such as  fan, cooling pad, rolling curtains, ventilation windows, heating equipment etc.

1. Ventilation Machinery device: (for longitudinal, transverse and vertical ventilation)

Axial fan, variable speed fan, side wall ventilation widows, roof ventilation widows, roof exhaust system, roof air supply pipeline system, ventilation ceiling, upper and lower active windows, ceiling ventilation windows, rolling shutter, spray system

1. Temperature regulatory devices:

Evaporative cooling device- wet curtains and spray with fan

Heat preservation equipment- gas furnace, air energy and water heating, heat preservation pump, heat preservation pad.

3. Disinfection and Anti-epidemic equipment
4. Washing machine and hot water washing machine
5. Sprayer – core machinery of mechanized disinfection

Spraying equipments – Centrifugal atomizer, Ultrasonic atomizer, Twofluid atomizer

1. Dusters- spraying powder disinfectant
2. Flame sterilization- spray high temperature >1000°C through liquefied gas combustion
3. Foam cleaning machine- more efficiency and thoroughly remove biofilms and contaminations
4. Vehicle decontamination centre (VDC)- integrate high pressure washing, foaming, spraying and fan device. VDC can be of several types i.e., open type, semi-closed type, closed type and drying room.

Factors affecting mechanized disinfection

Automation performance depends on droplet size, droplet range, suspension time, automation volume, automation rate. These are explained briefly below:

1. Droplet Size and Range: The size and range of disinfectant droplets determine their effectiveness in reaching and covering surfaces. Smaller droplets can penetrate into crevices and hard-to-reach areas, providing more thorough disinfection.
2. Suspension Time: The duration for which disinfectant droplets remain suspended in the air is important for ensuring sufficient contact time with surfaces. Longer suspension times increase the likelihood of effective disinfection.
3. Automation Volume and Rate: The volume of disinfectant sprayed and the rate at which it is applied influence the coverage and intensity of disinfection. Proper automation settings ensure consistent and adequate disinfection levels across surfaces.
4. Waste treatment machineries in mechanized pig farm

Manure recycling equipments-

1. Scraper type excrement removers- plate type and V- type
2. Solid liquid separator- Spiral extrusion type, inclined screen type, circular screen, horizontal centrifugal type (reduces the moisture of livestock manure from 80-90% to 40-50%)
3. Tipper
4. Aerobic fermentation tank- separate type, horizontal type
5. Biogas residue and slurry pumping and discharge equipment
6. Fertilizer spreader
7. Mechanized transportation of pigs

Automating and mechanizing pig transportation can significantly improve efficiency, reduce labor costs, and enhance animal welfare. This not only saves time but also minimizes stress on the animals during transportation. Some advanced monitoring systems can also be integrated into mechanized transportation setups to ensure optimal environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and ventilation, further enhancing the well-being of the pigs throughout the journey. Here are some ways automation and mechanization can be implemented in pig transportation:

Automated loading and unloading system: Utilizing conveyor belts or hydraulic lifts to load pigs onto transportation vehicles can reduce manual labor and minimize stress on the animals. These systems can be designed to handle pigs gently and efficiently, ensuring smoother loading and unloading processes.

Climate-Controlled Vehicle: Automated climate control systems within transportation vehicles can regulate temperature and ventilation, ensuring pigs are transported in optimal conditions regardless of external weather conditions. This helps in maintaining the health and welfare of the pigs during transit.

GPS tracking and monitoring: Installing GPS tracking systems in transportation vehicles allows for real-time monitoring of routes, speeds, and stops. This ensures efficient transportation routes are taken and enables quick response to any emergencies or delays.

Automated feeding and watering systems: Implementing automated feeding and watering systems within transportation vehicles ensures pigs have access to food and water during transit. These systems can be designed to dispense precise amounts of feed and water at scheduled intervals, promoting animal health and welfare.

Automated cleaning systems: Incorporating automated cleaning systems within transportation vehicles helps maintain cleanliness and hygiene. This reduces the risk of disease transmission and ensures a comfortable environment for the pigs during transportation.

Robotics systems for handling: Using robotic arms or systems for handling pigs within transportation vehicles can minimize stress on the animals and reduce the risk of injuries to both pigs and workers. These systems can be programmed to handle pigs gently and efficiently during loading and unloading processes.

Remote monitoring and control systems: Implementing remote monitoring and control systems allows operators to monitor the condition of pigs and the transportation environment remotely. This enables quick response to any issues that may arise during transit, ensuring the safety and welfare of the animals.

Conclusion:

The conclusion of mechanized pig farming emphasizes its transformative potential for the industry. Mechanization offers a pathway to improve efficiency, productivity, and hygiene standards in pig farming operations. By adopting advanced technologies such as automated feeding systems, climate-controlled housing, and robotic tasks like cleaning and sorting, pig farmers can achieve cost-effective solutions while ensuring better animal welfare. These advancements not only streamline operations but also enhance monitoring capabilities and optimize resource utilization. Overall, mechanized pig farming represents a crucial evolution in the industry, enabling farmers to meet increasing demand for pork while improving livelihoods and sustainability.

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