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tcumen oncal DoHistori ural Experiment StatiKansasAgricultEQUIPMENTFOR SWINE PRODUCTION13IV. The ventilation may be more systematic. The ventilatorsare easily adjustable. The principles of successful ventilation aremore easily introduced in the larger type because there is greateropportunity for ducts and flues. The overhead space is larger inproportion to the occupant's live weight, thus requiring less frequentchanging of air.V. Close attention to the herd is possible. Vigilance is of primeimportance a t crucial times, such as at farrowing; with sows underone roof this is possible and practical. It is impossible to attendclosely a number of farrowing sows scattered in widely separatedhouses.VI. The herdsman experiences a minimum of exposure. I n thecommunity house he does his work largely indoors, and is independent t o a considerable extent of weather conditions, since he is underwater-tight cover and surrounded by warm, protective walls. During the busy farrowing season the caretaker may sleep in the warming or feed room, near the stove, and thus be a t hand for emergencies, without the undue exposure experienced in frequent nightlyvisits to a number of outlying individual houses.VII. Feed storage, water supply, and general-purpose rooms arevery practical. The great convenience of indoor feed bins and watertaps is clear. A mixing room equipped with soaking, heating, andcooking devices near to the feeding alley is easily possible. An officeand sleeping room appeals to many. The scales for weighing maybe placed in the workroom or in the alley, and likewise shelves maybe built to hold all of the small equipment and necessary medicines.The hurdles, troughs, breeding crates, ringing chutes, self-feeders,automatic waterers, and other devices may be stored with satisfaction. Storage, water, and general conveniences requiring shelteredspace are impractical in small movable houses.VIII. Sanitation may be encouraged. Substantial, smooth, vermin-proof masonry construction is possible in the permanently builtcommunity house. With smooth floors, the cleaning of the houseis greatly facilitated and encouraged. The inaccessible cracks thatharbor lice, mange, and other parasites may thus be eliminated withall their attendant evils. The open-cracked wooden floor and wallsin the movable and sometimes in the temporary community typeare objectionable. Sanitary disposal of liquid waste through adrainage system commends itself; this is made possible by the permanent location and justifies the necessary expense of a permanentsewerage system. Manurial litter is removed to the fields more

tcumen oncal DoHistori ural Experiment StatiKansasAgricult14K AN S AS BULLETIN 286easily, hence it is more likely to be done. The litter carrier, whichmay be easily installed, also encourages the removal of wastes.Then, too, the greater accessibility of the large house encouragesmore frequent attention to sanitation. With a concrete approachto the entrance door of the house there is less probability of mud andfilth being carried into the nest than where the doors open directlyonto the ground.IX. Heating the community house is comparatively easy. Uniform heating is convenient, inasmuch as a single stove will be sufficient in houses of ordinary size. The troublesome attention necessary when many lanterns or small heaters, as well as ventilators,are t o be looked after in a number of outlying individual housesis self-evident. The permanent house, properly built, is warmerin that the wind does not penetrate under the floor and thus inducedrafts. Of course, with the movable type the floors may be bankedto exclude wind, but banking is more easily done to one house thant o many.

tcumen oncal DoHistori ural Experiment StatiKansasAgricultEQUIPMENT FOR SWINE PRODUCTION15X. The huddling and piling up which is ofttimes a bugbear whenseveral small movable houses are used together is largely avoidedin the warm, permanent house of large capacity.XI. Fire and other risks may be minimized. Concrete or clayblock construction of floor and walls, when used with such materialas asbestos roofing, reduce fire hazards and also depreciation andmaintenance charges. The first cost of such construction, however,may make the strictly fireproof structure impracticable. Theefficient small house must be comparatively low in first cost, whichmay require the use of inflammable materials. The metal hog houseis not recommended.XII. Grouped swine become better acquainted. Swine kept in acommunity house with open partitions separating them learn toknow each other, and thus when they are turned together there isless quarreling. The opposite is true with isolated swine, especiallysows; they often suffer severe injuries, loss of flesh, and sometimesdeath in the preliminary fight which seems to be a necessary preludeto their becoming acquainted.XIII. I t makes possible adjustable pens. The removable partitions may be so manipulated as to throw the entire house into onelarge pen, or different combinations of the units may be made, suchas making two, three, or four pens into one.XIV. The advertising value is greater. The impressiveness ofthe large, permanent, centralized community house is of value. Alarge, roomy, well-lighted house, equipped with durable, up-to-dateand convenient fixtures, appeals to the average buyer more forcefully than the smaller house, no matter how ingeniously built.ADVANTAGES OF THE MOVABLE INDIVIDUAL HOUSEI. The location may be changed when desired. The movablefeature is important. The individual house (figs. 7 , 8 and 9) may besituated as demands vary, so as to: (1) Provide easily accessiblepasture. (2) Furnish protection from the elements and disease.(3) Be convenient to other buildings, water, and shade. (4) Economize feeding when providing individual pasture for sows and litters,or other hogs; thus dispensing with fenced lanes or runways. (5)Encourage exercise, especially for pregnant sows and growing pigs.(6) Be near common feeding floor. (7) Supply shelter for hogs following cattle, other than that in general sheds. (8) Afford housingfor the sow that unexpectedly farrows in pasture or field. (9) Render the greatest possible service throughout the year.

tcumen oncal DoHistori ural Experiment StatiKansasAgricult16KANSAS BULLETIN 286II Isolation may be secured quickly and conveniently. The separation of swine from others of their kind is of special value a ttimes because: (1) Quietness a t farrowing time is assured. (2)Uniform development of the suckling pigs is encouraged. Disturbances such a s the troublesome squealing of pigs from otherlitters and the clamoring of disgruntled sows are eliminated. Robbing, being restricted within the litter, is reduced to a minimum.The isolation of litters in secluded pastures is a n ideal method forthe promotion of even development. (3) Danger from loss is minimized. Spread of disease through the herd is retarded. Huddling,piling up, fighting and other unfavorable results of crowding arelargely avoided. (4) Developing boars may be segregated. Theprevention of accidental breeding is thus brought about and conditions for development and prospective sales are bettered.III. Sanitation is promoted. The movable house promotes healthconditions in that: (1) Surroundings may be changed to preventinfection by disease such as hog cholera, contagious white scours,infectious sore mouth, and others. (2) Rotation of hog pastures andlots is easily and cheaply brought about, thus avoiding parasitic infestation, either internal by worms (round, thornheaded, tape, long,pin, and others) or external by lice and mange. (3) A proportionately greater amount of light may enter if the roof is fitted withlights as in the combination house shown in figures 8 and 9. (4)A more thorough airing and lighting is possible in that roof windows, gable doors and windows, and the general door may all contribute. These openings have an area which is proportionatelygreater in relation to the house capacity than those in the community house. (5) Floors are likely to be more dry and sanitarybecause the manure, both solid and liquid, is usually deposited inthe lot or on the fields. Feeding and watering are usually done outside, this also tending to keep the swine healthier because of thedrier, cleaner, and more sanitary floor and bedding. Of course, inperiods of extremely cold weather it is sometimes necessary to closethe doors, thus preventing free exit of the hogs. It is also true thatsometimes in very cold weather hogs will not leave the house andunder these conditions the sanitary advantages just mentioned arenot obtained. (6) Dust is not so likely to be a menace where dirtfloors are depended upon; merely moving the house solves this difficulty. (7) Quarantine of animals may be effectively enforced. Thesmall movable house is a convenient and effectual detention hospital.

tcumen oncal DoHistori ural Experiment StatiKansasAgricult

tcumen oncal DoHistori ural Experiment StatiKansasAgricult18K ANSAS BULLETIN 286IV. Construction is simplified. Some features which contributet o economical and easy construction are: (1) Permanent foundations are dispensed with. (2) The building can be constructed undercover during slack times. (3) The location need not be determineddefinitely because of the movable feature. (4) Prospective planningas to methods and details of construction is reduced to a minimum.The small, individual house may be quickly built by anyone havinga working knowledge of carpentry. (5) Pig-saving fenders are notnecessary on the sides of the “A”-shaped type because of slantingroof.V. They are more practical and economical for beginners andowners of small herds. The individual house requires only a smallinvestment to start with. The owner is thus enabled to graduallyadd to his housing facilities as his herd increases.VI. They are well adapted to the rented farm. Being a movable,economical unit, the man who rents can better afford this type thanthe larger one, should the landlord not care to furnish hog houses.The light construction makes the individual house easy to transportfrom place t o place.VII. Artificial heat in a few pens is easily supplied. I n ordinaryweather the animals furnish sufficient warmth. However, whenextreme cold prevails provision for heating is in order. The commonbarn lantern usually provides sufficient warmth, but sometimes asmall kerosene heating stove may be advantageously pressed intoservice.VIII. Fire risk is lessened. Isolation of the small houses insuresbut slight risk from fire. Furthermore, the danger to other buildingsis minimized.COMBINED USE OF COMMUNITY AND INDIVIDUAL HOUSESThe combination of the centralized stationary house and the individual movable house furnishes a most complete system. One houseis hardly sufficient no matter how large; it lacks adaptability necessary to meet all of the demands and needs of the swine herd. Tohave the sows farrow in the centralized house and then transfer themwith their litters to an individual house in from two to five weeks,depending upon the weather and other local factors, is a commendable, sane and practical method of procedure. This system is followed widely in the Middle West and with success. The generalappearance of the farmstead is improved by a well-chosen combination of both types.

tcumen oncal DoHistori ural Experiment StatiKansasAgricultEQUIPMENTFORSWINE PRODUCTION19DETAILS OF THE INDIVIDUAL HOUSEKANSAS “A”-SHAPE HOG HOUSEThe Kansas “A”-shape hog house has all desirable features of amovable hog house; these are cheapness, durability, ventilation, andpig fenders or guard rails. It is not quite as large as the common“A”-shape house, but has plenty of room for one sow and her litter.BillOfM a t e r i a l for t h e K a n s a s “A”-Shape House Shown in F i g u r e 72 pieces No. 1 fir, 4” x 4" x 8’-skids.4 pieces No. 1 yellow pine, 2“ x 12” x 14’-floor.6 pieces No. 1 yellow pine, 2” x 4” x 16’-framing.17 pieces No. 2 shiplap, 1”x 10” x 14’-roof and ends.2 pieces trim. 1” x 4” x 12’-door, cleats, and ridgeboard.4 pounds wire nails, 16d.5 pounds wire nails, 8d.3 pairs T-hinges, 4”-for doors.4 screws, 2” (No. 10) for buttons.1 hook-to hold door open.½ gallon barn paint-color to suit.Cutting Schedule for F r a m i n g of Kansas “A”-Shape Individual HouseCut four 2 ” x 12”x 14’ planks into 7-foot lengths for floor boards. Placeskids 3’8” apart and nail floor boards to them with 16d nails.Cut two 2” x 4” sills the length of house measured crosswise of floor boards.Nail sills to floor, 7’ outside-to-outside measure.Cut one ridge member same length as sills.Cut two roof girts equal to length of sills less thickness of two rafters.Cut four rafters, 6’-9” long over all, with bottom and top cuts to fit silland ridge.Cut posts, fenders, and filler blocks from remaining 2” x 4“ material.Select best shiplap for roof and cut 7’ long. Use remainder for ends ofbuilding.Note.- Plan No. 72-624 gives complete details for building.Plans” in appendix of this bulletin.See “List of AvailableCOMBINATION SUMMER AND WINTER HOUSEThe combination house shown in figures 8, 9, and 10 combinesboth a comfortable farrowing house for early spring and a houseproviding shade for the hot summer days. The latter feature isparticularly desirable when a litter is turned out on pasture wherethere is no natural shade. The woven-wire fencing keeps the hogsfrom using any but the main-entrance door in entering or leavingthe building. It also makes possible the use of pig fenders andalso serves to keep the hogs from crowding the side doors out whenclosed.

tcumen oncal DoHistori ural Experiment StatiKansasAgricult20KANSAS BULLETIN 286B i l l of Material for Combination House Shown in F i g u r e s 8 , 9 , and 102 pieces No. 1 fir, 4” x 4” x 8’-skids.4 pieces No. 1 yellow pine, 2” x 12” x 14’-floor.2 pieces No. 1 yellow pine, 2“ x 4” x 16’-framing.8 pieces N o . 1 yellow pine, 2“ x 4” x 14’-framing.2 pieces No. 1 fencing, 1”x 6” x 16’-cleats and braces.7 pieces No. 2 shiplap, 1”x 10” x 16’--siding.11 pieces N o . 2 shiplap, 1 ” x l 0 ” x 14’-roof and ends.18 feet hog wire, 26”.4 pairs T-hinges, 6”.4 door hooks, 6”-for doors.5 pounds wire nails, 16d.6 pounds wire nails, 8d.24 feet round iron, 1/4”-hooks and staples.1 roof window, 22“ x 28”.1 gallon barn paint-color to suit.Cutting Schedule for Framing of Combination HouseCut four 2” x 12” x 14’ planks into 7-foot lengths for floor boards. Placeskids 3 - 8 ” apart and nail floor boards to them with 16d nails.Cut one 2“ x 4“ x 16' for sills. C u t sills inside of corner posts and notch fordoor cleats.Cut one 2 ” x 4 “ x 16' for side plates. Make length equal to length of sill,plus thickness of two posts.Cut two 2” x 4” x 14' into 7-foot lengths for front and back plates, ridge, androof support.Cut one 2“ x 4” x 14’ for three back posts and one side post.Cut one 2” x 4” x 14’ for three front posts and one side post.Cut one 2“ x 4” x 14‘ for two back rafters, 5‘-10“ long.Cut one 2“ x 4“ x 14’ for four front rafters, 3‘-2“ long.C u t two 2” x 4” x 14‘ for fenders, filler blocks, etc.N o t e . - P l a n No. 7 2 - 6 3 2 gives complete details for building.Plans” in appendix of this bulletin.See “List of AvailableDETAILS OF THE COMMUNITY HOUSEThe construction of any building will vary somewhat with theideals of the individual, but in order that it may be of the greatestservice and efficiency the following points should be given carefulconsideration.Floor and Foundation.-A centralized hog house should be relatively permanent. The first requirement of any permanent structure is a good foundation. A frame hog house is not a heavy building, but it should have a foundation wall a t least six inches thickand extending below the frost line, which will be from 18 t o 30inches deep for most parts of Kansas. The wall should have afooting of from 8 t o 12 inches, depending upon the firmness of the

tcumen oncal DoHistori ural Experiment StatiKansasAgricultEQUIPMENTFORSWINE PRODUCTION21soil. It should also extend above the ground 8 to 12 inches inorder to protect the sills from soil moisture and thus prevent decay.A warm, comfortable floor for farrowing pens is made by layinga N o . 2 grade of 5” x 8” x 12” building tile on a sand or gravel baseand covering them with 11/2 inches of concrete. (Figs. 3 and 4.)This construction provides air space in the floor which serves asinsulation against cold and dampness from the ground. A similareffect can be obtained by using 4 t o 8 inches of crushed rock for abase and placing the floor over this. The alley floor may be of solidconcrete, 3 or 4 inches thick. Floors should slope about 1/4 inchper foot, toward drains or gutters provided to carry away the water.Hog-house floors should never be finished with a steel trowel, asthis makes too slippery a surface when wet, but rather a woodfloat or a float covered with burlap or carpet should be used.Doors.-Doors should have low sills and good approaches t oeliminate the danger of injury and nervousness among the animals.Outside pen doors (Fig. 11) should be 30 inches wide and 36 incheshigh.

tcumen oncal DoHistori ural Experiment StatiKansasAgricult22KANSAS BULLETIN 286Windows.-Ample sunlight must be provided and steel-frame,water-tight, wired-glass roof windows that are on the market offera convenient method of getting sunlight where most desirable. Thesemay be secured to fit on top of sheathing boards and between rafterswithout additional framing. There should be one square foot ofglass area for each 12 to 15 square feet of floor space and so placedas to throw the sun pattern on the floor during the farrowing period.For correct window location see “Sunshine Table for Kansas,”page 42.Pens.-The size of farrowing pens will vary slightly under different conditions, but in no case should they be less than 6 by 8 feet.Pen Gates and Partitions.-Pen gates and partitions are preferably made removable (figs. 12 and 13), so that all or any numberof pens may be thrown into one large pen or feeding floor for growing pigs or stock hogs in times other than the farrowing seasons.Removable partitions require some place t o store them when not inuse. This is found by placing them along the wall, since usually itwill not be necessary to have all the pen doors open, or they maybe nested in one end of the building.Fenders.- All farrowing pens must be provided with pig fendersor guard rails which consist of 2 by 4 planks supported by ironbrackets all around the pen about 8 inches from the fl

EQUIPMENT FOR SWINE PRODUCTION1 B. M. ANDERSON² and V. R. HILLMAN³ INTRODUCTION It is the purpose of this bulletin to enumerate a number of the essential and desirable features of swine-production equipment and to describe and illustrate a variety of buildings and equipment that have proved practical on Kansas farms and elsewhere.