As part of our Plant and Livestock Systems and Environmental Control Engineering subject, we are task to create a 2D sketch of either plant or animal production system. Our task is to choose a place where we will construct our production system.
I immediately thought about the farm of my former teacher way back in high school. Actually, I only visit the place twice. I am shocked actually to know that their farm is only about 500 meters away from us, knowing that their residence is almost 20 minutes ride from us. Maybe, it's in my blood to be an aspiring engineer, that's why I just suddenly realized that time that there is something that needs to be improved in their farm.
Later I learned that they are not operating their farm anymore, making me feel disappointed because that place is really suitable for a farm since the supply of water is sufficient and the area is safe for animals.
Maybe today is the day I got to renovate it and propose my own design for that farm, though I got to redesign it using autocad. It's really a waste if they will just abandon the place. Therefore, I decided to make it the subject on my today's output.
Here is the floorplan of the swine housing production system. This production system is established at Muladbucad Pequeño, Guinobatan, Albay, zone 6. The purpose of this production system is to provide animals with a safe place to live and, for the caretakers to gain profit by doing business. The construction process is between 15 to 30 days only considering the materials used must be of proper standards used. It is important to carefully choose the right materials especially when it comes to its walls, roofing, and floors, also considering the convenience and safety of animals.
For the floorings, to prevent the pigs from rooting and digging up, I choose a hard and concrete floor. This is also to provide insulation against cold and damp, and for ease of cleaning to minimize the build-up of diseases and parasites. To avoid injuries, the floor is neither too slippery nor be rough to stepped on. For the walls, I preferred cement blocks since I believe that it safer and can restrain and ensure the protection of the pigs. However, I made sure that it should be smooth enough not too bruise or cause injury to the animals. To give shade and protection against the strong heat of the sun, strong wind from the rain, or any inside and outside variables, I preferred a galvanized corrugated iron sheet for the roofing of the structure. But I made sure that the roof is sufficiently high, at least 1 meter high, so that there is a room for plenty of air movement.
For the main structure of the piggery, the overall area is 3150 square feet, composing of two drainages with the dimension of 1 ft x 75 ft, ten (10) rooms with a 15 ft x 18 ft walls, a 2 ft x 4 ft main entrance and exit, a wallow with 2 ft x 4 ft dimension, and a 4-feet apart passageway. There is also a drainage hole which is connected to the drainage at the side.
For the temperature requirement, I considered first the temperature in the construction area which is here in Muladbucad Pequeño Guinobatan, Albay. The temperature here ranges for about 21 degrees Celsius to 30 degrees Celsius which is suitable for the requirement for the pigs. I think it’s only about 30 ̊C because we are near the Mayon Volcano which I think greatly affects the temperature here. The recommended temperature depending on the type of pig sheltered will vary. For sows and boars, weaners, growers, finishers, and for piglets 3 weeks, it is recommended to have at least 30̊C temperature.
Based in Wathes et al. 1983, ASAE 1990, the maximum relative humidity on pig barns should not exceed to 80% so the risk of fungal contamination by mold and mildew is reduced because high relative humidity contributes to pathogenic organism growth and survival and to building and equipment deterioration caused by internal surface condensation. Fortunately, the average temperature here is only 60% therefore permits the construction of the piggery.
It is important to know that different variables, such as temperature, relative humidity, location, and accessibility to primary needs of animals must be prioritized and considered first before the construction process. Neglecting even one variable will eventually bring discomfort and danger to animals, or even to the owner. The proper standards must be observed to prevent injuries, or unexpected events to happen.
For the standards of this design, I still need to gather more information by doing research on internet. To avoid plagiarism or any offensive act, here are the references I used.
References:
M. Lambert , S.P. Lemay , E.M. Barber , T.G. Crowe and L. Chénard (2015), “Humidity Control for Swine Buildings in cold climate – part 1: Modelling of three control strategies”, Retrieved from https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.604.6440&rep=rep1&type=pdf#:~:text=The%20maximum%20relative%20humidity%20(RH,is%20reduced%20(ASHRAE%201989).&text=Maintaining%20good%20environmental%20conditions%20in%20pig%20barns%20is%20difficult%20to%20achieve.
Muladbucad Pequeño, Philippines Page., “Weather Charts”, Retrieved from http://www.fallingrain.com/world/RP/05/Muladbucad_Pequeno.html
Philippine Agricultural Engineering Standard – Agricultural Structures – Housing for Swine Production- PAES 401:2001
Wagenberg, Antonius Victor Van (2005), “Measurement, Evaluation and control of the microclimate in room for weaned piglets”, Retrieved from https://edepot.wur.nl/121718
World Weather Online., “Muladbucad Pequeño Weather” Retrieved from https://www.worldweatheronline.com/muladbucad-pequeno-weather/albay/ph.aspx
The most enjoying part about school is that we learn how to do real-based solutions and be able to solve it by doing proposals and such. School is fun, but not always HAHAHAHA
