At the beginning of October, the European UCOL team (Uniform Conditions for Operating Rules for Livestock) visited Denmark to learn about Danish pig production. They were invited to Robert and Jonna Lynge Andersen’s pig farm, which is situated in Northern Jutland, between Lemvig and Struer.
During the visit, the EU team learned about the Andersen’s experience with loose-housed sows and SEGES Innovation’s work focused on measuring emissions in pig housing.
Who is UCOL?
UCOL is a European working group that aims to ensure uniform operating rules for livestock production across the EU. The group supports the European Commission in the preliminary preparations for the legislation, including work related to the revised Industrial Emissions Directive. A new legal act setting out common operating rules is expected to be adopted within the coming year, replacing the current BAT framework.
By 2024, Robert and Jonna had installed 360 farrowing pens for loose-housed nursing sows.
Each pen measures 2.6 x 2.6 metres and covers an area of 6.76 m², which is 35% bigger than traditional stalls, which typically measure 4.86 m².
On a tour of the unit, Robert and Jonna described the experience of transitioning to loose-housed nursing sows and what is required in terms of adjustment and development.
For them the transition to loose-housed nursing sows was a learning process during which they continually worked on improvements to the housing unit. One of the biggest challenges was the lack of floor heating, which impacts piglet mortality. Following the installation of floor heating in the solid, covered area, they noted a significant improvement.
Although the investment was substantial and challenges continue to arise, Robert Lynge describes the project as a great success:
”Our experience is much improved pig welfare. They are much more curious,” he says.
Robert and Jonna Lynge Andersen showing the UCOL team around their pig unit
Environmental focus and emissions measurements
A key theme during the tour was how better animal welfare is balanced with environmental considerations, particularly in terms of ammonia and methane emissions and odour.
The farrowing pens for loose-housed nursing sows are over 33% larger than traditional farrowing pens, and the increased space means higher emissions.
To meet that challenge, Chief Scientist Vivi Aarestrup Moustsen and Adviser Stine Grønborg from SEGES presented their test set-up at the farm. Various systems for slurry management are being tested here, aimed at reducing emissions from the housing unit. They include:
- Slurry funnels
- The design of slurry scrapers
- Traditional vacuum flushing units
The systems have been developed to reduce ammonia and methane emissions and odour, particularly from units that contain loose-housed nursing sows.
Scientists have highlighted two simple and effective methods for reducing emissions: shortening the time that slurry is stored in pig housing and minimising the surface area.
The day offered the visitors a valuable insight into both the technical and practical aspects of keeping loose-housed nursing sows. It was also an opportunity for knowledge and experience to be shared across borders.
Read more about animal welfare and loose-housed nursing sows here: