The Pig Unit

The Home Farm pig unit was de-stocked in July 2006 after various disease problems.  The unit was restocked with 30 gilts in February 2008.  It functions as a demonstration facility, rather than a full scale commercial unit.

The unit comprises traditional pig housing using both solid floor straw systems and part slatted non-straw systems.  There is a natural and automated controlled ventilation system, along with both manual and automatic feeding systems which originated from when the unit was much bigger.  The unit has a capacity of around 80 to 90 sows.

Gilts are bought in.  They are F1 cross - Large White cross Landrace, primarily selected for their genetic potential for growth and efficiency.  They are also sound on their feet and legs, produce good-sized litters, have sound conformation and good spacing of functional teats.

These animals come from a high health status company farm, and so health status is absolutely guaranteed, which is of considerable importance.  The boars used for breeding on these hybrid females are Hampshire and Large White using AI, or our own boar for the terminal slaughter generation.  Pregnancy diagnosis takes place at 5 weeks using a hand held Doppler tester with headphones.