Hoop Structures for Swine Housing Presented by Tommy Bass and Mike Daniel 2005 Georgia Pork Congress, Macon GA University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

Solid versus Liquid Wastes Solid Waste Solid Waste –low accident potential –compostable –cheaper to haul –easier to export –simpler management (loading, stacking, spreading) Liquid Waste Liquid Waste –accident potential and liability –expensive to haul –difficult to export –complicated management (flushing, pumping and irrigating) –public perception, NIMBY

Hoop Basics Hoop structures are naturally-ventilated structures that have a heavy fabric roof. Hoop structures are naturally-ventilated structures that have a heavy fabric roof. Sidewalls are wooden, block or poured. Sidewalls are wooden, block or poured.

Hoop Basics Reflective tarps are used to reflect solar radiation to prevent over-heating. Reflective tarps are used to reflect solar radiation to prevent over-heating.

Hoop Basics Roofs are supported by tubular arches Roofs are supported by tubular arches Hoops wider than 38´ generally use trusses Hoops wider than 38´ generally use trusses

Hoop Basics Tarps are held in place by winch or ratcheting straps. Tarps are held in place by winch or ratcheting straps.

Hoop Basics The north end is generally closed during winter except a small area for ventilation. The north end is generally closed during winter except a small area for ventilation. Various ends are available. This one uses tracks Various ends are available. This one uses tracks Others provide more open space for ventilation. Others provide more open space for ventilation.

Hoop Basics Hoops are often used for finishing pigs. Hoops are often used for finishing pigs. Plentiful, high quality deep bedding is the key. Plentiful, high quality deep bedding is the key.

Hoop Basics Sow gestation is another common use for hoops. Sow gestation is another common use for hoops. Sow feeding is an important decision. Sow feeding is an important decision.

Animal Health and Performance Pigs fed in hoops compared to partially slatted confinement Pigs fed in hoops compared to partially slatted confinement –excellent health –similar rates of gain faster in summer, slower in winter faster in summer, slower in winter –similar feed efficiency, except in cold winter months (Canada) except in cold winter months (Canada) –lower mortality Connor, 1993 and 1994, Manitoba Swine Seminar Proceedings

Labor Per pig labor is no more than in confinement, however tasks are distinctive Per pig labor is no more than in confinement, however tasks are distinctive –checking pigs, walking through bedded area –Storing and handling round bales, straw, shavings or other bedding –hauling solid manure/litter

Cost Iowa research, Canadian research and Iowa farmer data showed hoops: Iowa research, Canadian research and Iowa farmer data showed hoops: –lower heating, maintenance and utilities cost –increased winter feed cost –new expense in bedding –lower initial investment This data showed slight advantage to hoops ($3.50 per pig) This data showed slight advantage to hoops ($3.50 per pig)

Hoop Barns at UGA 3 bedded hoop barns 3 bedded hoop barns 2 hoop roofs over slatted floors 2 hoop roofs over slatted floors 1 hoop barn for composting operation and some dry waste storage 1 hoop barn for composting operation and some dry waste storage

Hoop Barns at UGA Finish pigs at UGA Finish pigs at UGA Bedded on shavings/saw dust Bedded on shavings/saw dust

Hoop Barns at UGA Slab between barns for working and loading animals Slab between barns for working and loading animals

Hoop Barns at UGA Fresh Bedding in cleaned-out barn Fresh Bedding in cleaned-out barn Waste is exported off site Waste is exported off site

Hoop Barns at UGA Mortalities are composted in a hoop barn not used for livestock Mortalities are composted in a hoop barn not used for livestock Safe from run-off Safe from run-off Limited scavenger access Limited scavenger access

Hoop Barns at UGA Gestation/breeding barn Gestation/breeding barn Hoop roof was added to old confinement building foundation Hoop roof was added to old confinement building foundation Fans used for increased ventilation Fans used for increased ventilation

Take Home Points Cost benefit: break even or slight favor to hoops Cost benefit: break even or slight favor to hoops Labor: break even or slight favor to hoops Labor: break even or slight favor to hoops Maintenance: favor to hoops Maintenance: favor to hoops Feed: cold climate favor to confinement, southern data not well organized Feed: cold climate favor to confinement, southern data not well organized Waste/Environment: major favor to hoops Waste/Environment: major favor to hoops

Additional Questions/Needs Need more data for southeast; additional analysis Need more data for southeast; additional analysis Health issues related to bedding Health issues related to bedding –initial UGA experience and research (Jones) –worms, liver ascarids (Thacker et. al., Iowa State) Inexpensive and readily available bedding enhances cost advantage Inexpensive and readily available bedding enhances cost advantage

Additional Information –Click on: Hoop Structures for Swine in the right hand list of topics –Click on: Search, then type hoop and press Enter. Information for this presentation was obtained from the: Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture at Iowa State University