Texas 4-H Livestock Mentor Texas 4-H Livestock Mentor TrainingTraining

July 25-27, 2008July 25-27, 2008

Sam WombleSam WombleCounty Extension AgentCounty Extension Agent

Victoria County Victoria County

4-H Swine Facilities & Project Check List

First Things First First Things First

What are the basic needs of a pig?What are the basic needs of a pig?– Space Space

150 sq. ft./pig150 sq. ft./pig

– Nutrition Nutrition fresh supply of feed and waterfresh supply of feed and water

– Shelter Shelter protection from extreme weather conditionsprotection from extreme weather conditions

FacilitiesFacilities

Be a good neighborBe a good neighbor– Check deed restrictions and zoning laws Check deed restrictions and zoning laws

before you begin constructionbefore you begin construction Plan aheadPlan ahead

– Can you utilize an existing structure?Can you utilize an existing structure?– Consider costsConsider costs– Functional, not necessarily elaborateFunctional, not necessarily elaborate

FacilitiesFacilities

Electricity Electricity – Outlets need to be in a safe locationOutlets need to be in a safe location

Ceiling height / VentilationCeiling height / Ventilation– TemperatureTemperature

FlooringFlooring– Be cautious of slick, smooth surfaces Be cautious of slick, smooth surfaces

(texture)(texture) StorageStorage

– Feed, equipment, suppliesFeed, equipment, supplies

Geographic LocationGeographic Location

South Texas South Texas – COLDCOLD

Warm and dry Warm and dry Bedding, lamps, ect…Bedding, lamps, ect…

– HEATHEAT Utilize shade, fans, misters, prevailing wind, Utilize shade, fans, misters, prevailing wind,

sandsand Avoid mud holesAvoid mud holes

Soil Type and DrainageSoil Type and Drainage

Soil typeSoil type– High sand content as opposed to a silt High sand content as opposed to a silt

or clay soilor clay soil DrainageDrainage

– Slope Slope 1 ft. slope/ 100 ft.1 ft. slope/ 100 ft.

– Base material to build up elevationBase material to build up elevation

AccessibilityAccessibility

Walking distance of your houseWalking distance of your house– ConvenienceConvenience

spend more time at the barnspend more time at the barn enjoyed more by youth, family and friendsenjoyed more by youth, family and friends

Trailer access for loading/unloadingTrailer access for loading/unloading Alley waysAlley ways

– Have gates that open across alley ways Have gates that open across alley ways to make sorting and penning easierto make sorting and penning easier

Waste DisposalWaste Disposal

Pens should be cleaned dailyPens should be cleaned daily– Aid in controlling insects, disease, odorAid in controlling insects, disease, odor– Carry waste away from pensCarry waste away from pens– Compost pileCompost pile

Project Check ListProject Check List

Schedule your visitsSchedule your visits Bio-securityBio-security Pay attention to and inquire about the Pay attention to and inquire about the

following:following:– Facilities (clean, functional)Facilities (clean, functional)– General animal healthGeneral animal health– Feeding schedule Feeding schedule – Fresh water Fresh water – Weight Weight – ShowmanshipShowmanship

Summary Summary

The “Little Things”The “Little Things”– The little things done at home each day The little things done at home each day

can be the difference between a can be the difference between a premium and a floor check.premium and a floor check.

Remember what our purpose isRemember what our purpose is– People are willing to helpPeople are willing to help– Enjoy what you do, you’re making a Enjoy what you do, you’re making a

DIFFERENCEDIFFERENCE! !