Compromised pig pen from straw bales

There are times when it is required to provide emergency hospital care.

In many places it is possible to provide hospital accommodation outside.

The following gives an illustration of one such accommodation built between two finishing sheds.

Straw based hospital pens will provide adequate protection from 0-40°C.

General view of hospital area – walls constructed from straw bales with a simple gate at one end. Floor space 1.4 m^2 per pig. One bowl drinker per 20 pigs. Use high quality feed.	Hiding area Shade cloth is used to provide a lying area and protection from the sun. Sick and compromised pigs like to hide.	Good water supply Ideally in a trough or bowls as shown. Avoid nipples as these are more difficult for weak pigs. Dehydration is a common cause of death in compromised pigs.
Wallow If the climate is very hot, even newly weaned pigs will appreciate a shallow wallow.	Bedding comfort Sick and compromised pigs like to hide and burrow into straw. In the hot parts of the day, under the straw can be cooling.	Feeders Feed little and often. This way the feed is as fresh as possible and rapid changes to the feed can be made
Pig identity Do not loose the pig in the system – record the original pen number and date of entry into the hospital area.	Good records Record all pig entry and exit. Pigs should be marketed at the first possible weight. If the pig does not recover adopt a 7 and 14 day review programme. Euthanasia may be the best option for sick pigs which fail to rapidly recover	Proper care and attention Ensure that all the animals are checked at least 3 times a day and receive medication where appropriate. The water and feeding system should be capable of being an easy medication route when required.