Abstract:
Poor pen hygiene and incorrect dunging patterns have a negative effect on air quality and therefore on animal health, welfare and productivity (Donham et al. 1989, Banhazi et al. 2000). Dried dung is a major source of both gaseous and particulate airborne pollutants and hence controlling the generation of pollutants at its source will greatly improve environmental quality in piggery buildings. Reports suggest that the first 24 hours is critical in establishing correct dunging patterns in newly stocked pig pens (Roelofs 1999, pers.com.). The effects of wet solid floors on the establishment of dunging patterns at the time of stocking the sheds with a new batch of pigs was investigated.