New housing concept structures pens to enhance animal welfare and flexibility

The unique positioning of the trough not only ensures a low animal/feeding space ratio but also creates a structural element within the pen. Animal movements are guided in a targeted manner; functional areas remain clearly separated from one another. This ensures that the pen’s functional structure remains intact – regardless of whether the farmer prefers continuous solid flooring, high solid-to-void ratios, bedding or an optional open-air run.

“With Zone3, we have developed a concept that is not limited to a single management type, but offers genuine adaptability,” explains Dr Anne Elkmann, product manager at Big Dutchman. “The clear division of the pen into zones helps the pigs find their way around more easily. They know exactly where to eat, rest and ‘do their business’ – which reduces stress amongst the group and promotes an eating behaviour that corresponds to the pigs’ natural needs.”

Another key benefit of Zone3 lies in how it supports clever work organisation. Swivelling grates in the eating area allow for machine cleaning, laying the foundations for semi-automated or even fully automated processes. The concept is complemented by climate control solutions specifically tailored to different management types – including the option of letting fresh air flow directly into the animals’ resting area.

“Zone3 is designed so that farmers do not have to choose between animal welfare, profitability and long-term security,” says Dr Elkmann. “The floor design can be customised to suit the specific functional area – continuous solid flooring, perforated slats or a combination of both. This means that the concept can be adapted to different animal welfare programmes, farm-specific requirements regarding bedding and technical equipment, and regional guidelines.”

The Zone3 concept thus combines animal welfare, flexibility and efficient work organisation in one uniform pen structure. With or without bedding, with varying solid-to-void ratios or an optional open-air run – the patented trough position ensures a clearly structured, functional pen in every version. For farmers, this means a high degree of investment security and the ability to respond flexibly to future requirements regarding animal welfare, climate control and level of automation.