Hog farrowing system for use in a cold environment and method of use
US7165508B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 21, 2004 |
| Grant date | Jan 23, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 31, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA01K1/0218
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A hog farrowing system for use in a cold environment includes a building providing protection from weather elements. The farrowing boxes have an entrance to permit free ingress and egress of female hogs but restrain the piglets. An alley is provided outside the boxes for the female hogs to defecate, urinate, and move to feed and water stations outside the boxes. The boxes have sides which define an inner chamber, a heat system, bedding for the female hogs to nest, and insulation covering an open top during cold environment conditions. The method utilizes the steps of promoting the female hog to utilize natural instincts, promoting the female hog to give birth to piglets close to the heat source, and protecting the piglets from crushing by using a creep area, anti-crush rods and anti-crush boards. The farrowing boxes can be modified for use in a warm season.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.