Maximum hygiene standards
“The individual pens are separated by gates. For cleaning purposes, we constructed the gates in a way that facilitates opening the gates to the side and mounting them to the wall”, explained WEDA head of development Ralf Meyer. “Thanks to a special door hinge, the gates can be easily lifted out of the straw and opened and closed in both directions. Subsequently, the manure can be pushed away with one movement”, Meyer added. The animal area is made of stainless steel and synthetic materials, which makes the pen easy to clean and compliant with maximum hygiene standards.
Open, clear design
The farrowing pen is designed in an open and clearly structured way, with the piglet nest and trough located at the corridor. If necessary, it is possible to restrain the sow for a short time for treatment purposes without necessitating a worker to enter the sow area. The grid used to restrain the sow for short periods of time serves to separate the piglet nest when open. Furthermore, the pen also facilitates short-term sow restraining to tend to the piglets. And the highlight of it all: the sow can still use the roaming area and the feeding area.
Trough close to the ground
The trough was designed to also facilitate use as a watering place in case of need. It is installed to the floor so that piglets can also feed there. “Our animals immediately felt at home, and we can work really well in the pen”, said Angelika Balz of the Wilhelminenhof farm. “Above all, our animals can be kept environmentally friendly and species-appropriately, which means we stay true to our values and principles”, she concluded.
Suitable for all farming methods
With the new Be.Well concept, WEDA is reacting to industry demand for product solutions which ensure animal welfare and animal protection. Accordingly, the products are suited equally for conventional and organic animal farming. The “Arche Wilhelminenhof” farm is operated according to Demeter guidelines and the principle of civic agriculture. Besides pig farming, the family business operates its own farm shop and also cultivates fruits and vegetables.
