Application of Electronic Management Tools

Posted in: Energy by admin on January 1, 2000 | No Comments

This article is a summary of computer programs presented at a swine workshop. The workshop demonstrated several innovative computer programs and electronic technologies that are available to the pork industry. The computer programs address issues such as ventilation and heating rates, humidity levels, gas levels and animal temperature requirements.

Naturally Ventilated Pig Barns Come to Ontario

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Acre T farms based in Brussels is building new contract barns using naturally ventilated barn technology developed in the midwestern US. Electrical usage is low, barn construction is simple and maintenance/repairs are few. The barn is affordable to build. Barn ventilation is regulated based upon effective temperature and depends on pig size. Manure pits keep odour inside and rainwater out, reducing the volume of liquid that must be spread on nearby fields. Part of the improved knowledge going into these barns is their careful positioning to catch prevailing winds. The barn has several other operational advantages. Energy consumption is reduced greatly – 12 cents per pig place in the month of December compared to 39 cents per pig place in the standard fan barns with sandwich walls that Acre T now operates.

Utilization of a Heat Pump in Pig Breeding for Energy Saving and Climate and Ammonia Control

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Environmental Control Strategies for Swine Buildings in Cold-Climates

Posted in: Energy by admin on January 1, 1999 | No Comments

A Check List for Solving Prblems – The Importance of Light

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Duration of light for various ages of swine is examined. Barn design in relation to lighting for swine is also addressed.

Environmental impact of the barn – The Role of the Stockperson

Posted in: Energy by admin on January 1, 1998 | No Comments

Water wastage and heating represents a large cost to a producer. Energy consumption of the heating system associated with building setpoint temperature and the importance of water wastage on volume of slurry is examined. Odor emmissions can be affected by room cleanliness. For the heating study, three different temperature curves were considered at five different locations in Canada. Increase in cost was associated with an increase in barn temperature above recommended setpoint temperature. A 5000 head barn was used as an example to illustrate the cost associated with water wastage and subsequent spreading costs. Gas and odor emmissions are detrimental to the barn environment but can be reduced through pen cleaning, temperature management and dust control.

Cup Waterer Doesn't 'Runneth Over'

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This article compared two types of hog waterers. Two 1000 head, contract finishing buildings were used for the study. Single source pigs of a startweight 45-50lbs were used and entered the facility the same day. In a three month period, 10000 less gallons of water was used in the room with cup waterers compared to that in the nipple drinker room. Cup waterers, besides being low labour and low maintenance, can reduce the water bill and cost for manure removal. It was determined that bowl waterers made of cast iron with a porcelain finish were impossible to break with normal use.

Energy Usage and Lactating Sow and Piglet Performance in Farrowing Compartments with a Lowered Set Point of the Room Temperature

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Most of the energy usage within a sow farm occurs in the farrowing compartment. Can a reduction in temperature setting of 2C in combination with an adequate micro-climate contribute to energy savings and improved lactating sow performance? The study was conducted in four naturally ventilated farrowing compartments using a total of 96 sows. The reduction in room temperature had no effect on lactating sow and piglet performance. Energy savings in the compartments with reduced temperature is addressed.

Selecting Suitable Swine Ventilation

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It pays to make sure that a ventilation system performs properly and efficiently. Select a fan that meets your needs for reliable performance at a reasonable cost over the life of the product. Fans use the most energy of any component of the ventilation system. The more aerodynamic the fan, the more air it will move per kilowatt of electricity. Match the blade size to the motor size. A fan blade that is too large or too small for the motor will cause it to run hot and will not last as long. Add a cone to the exhaust side of the shroud to spread out airflow. This is more efficient than abruptly slamming the air into a wall of still air outside. Check beltwear four times per year. A worn belt rides lower in the sheaves reducing airflow significantly. Dirty shutters can reduce airflow by 20%. Maintain motors, inlets and bearings by cleaning and yearly lubrication.

The Force Behind Conditioning

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Is there a logical correlation between the specific energy put into animal feed through complex of conditioning, pre-compacting and pelleting and pellet quality? Hans van Vliet, an independent consultant, undertook a practical study of some 20 feedmills in the European Union. Today, we have four variables which constitute conditioning: time, temperature, moisture and mechanical energy. The first use of force in the conditioning process was the introduction of the double-pelleting line. The boa compactor machine is a combination of a tube conditioner and a small pellet press. Van Vliet found that the energy consumption taken to cool a tonne of pellets varied between 1.4 and 8 kWh. It is clear that feedmill operators must have control over all conditioning, pelleting and cooling parameters in order to achieve the most efficient production method and minimize energy usage.