Abstract: Drained flooring

Type and Average of Pigs on the Farm

1,100 sows, 38,500 weaners, and 7,000 grower-finishers.

Farming System

Intensive production system.

Description and Evaluation of the Good Practice

Drained flooring combines the benefits of solid and slatted floors, offering a cleaner, dry, and non-slip surface with only 10% slot openings compared with the 18-20% of the classical slatted flooring. It supports pigs in dividing the pen into resting and dunging areas, improving welfare and thermoregulation. It reduces ammonia evaporation and environmental impact when manure is discharged frequently. In 2017, 53% of pens in the farms in the country used a combination of drained and slatted flooring. The farmer reports improved hygiene, pig behavior, and health with drained flooring.

Farm Context

• Pigs
  Genetics not specified
  Different flooring can support the pigs in using the designated areas of the pen for resting, eating, manure etc.
• Environmental Enrichment
  A handful of straw per pen per day.
• Housing and Management Characteristics
  Space allowance: 0.65 m²/pig (85–110 kg), 1.00 m²/pig (110–135 kg)
  Pen design: Conventional
  Floor type: Combination of solid, drained, and slatted. Partly slatted with provision of some straw
• Management Practices
  No change in pig management, but cleaning is easier. Odor emission: 43 OU E/m². Less salmonella and better indoor environment compared to fully slatted floors.

Economic Analysis

Investment cost varies by pen size. Example: 4,281 DKK/pen place for 450 places, decreasing to 3,395 DKK/pen place for 12,000 places. Cost per m² also decreases with scale. Existing slatted floors can be converted using plastic bars. Only possible to replace solid by drained floor if a manure pit in the total pen area is present. Benefits include higher daily gain, reduced emissions, and potentially lower antibiotic use.

Environmental Analysis

Drained flooring improves manure quality and quantity. Combined with frequent discharge, it reduces GHG and ammonia emissions. Odor emission: 450 OU E/s per 1,000 kg animal, equivalent to 43 OU E/s per m².

Replicable Benefits and Relevance for Other EU Countries

Drained flooring is beneficial in all pig-producing countries, especially in warmer climates. It supports thermoregulation and provides a comfortable resting area. Suitable for farms of all sizes, especially new constructions with manure pits. Common in Denmark and northern countries.