It nurtures an attitude of continuous improvement that will not only better the lot of pigs and pig people but also increase the likelihood of improved consumer satisfaction and sustained profitability.
The authors, although academically trained, have years of experience communicating directly with pig farmers and helping them to make the most cost-effective decisions regarding pig environment enhancement.
Paul Smith has been involved with applied research on pigs at the Agricultural Development and Advisory Service's Great House Experimental Husbandry Farm, worked as ADAS Pig Specialist for Norfolk and East Suffolk and in 1987 created PIGSPEC, an independent consultancy operating in the private sector. In 2002 he became a founder director of Pork Chain Solutions Ltd, an alliance of independent pig consultants.
Hugh Crabtree studied and worked at Reading University where he remained in the Engineering Section researching thermal performance of pig buildings. He was a cofounder of Farm Energy & Control Services Ltd in 1979 and the ensuing 25 years have given him significant practical expertise in solving ventilation problems for farmers.
A future publication is planned which will focus on case study work and the scope for cost-effectively improving pig environments.
Contents
- Pig environment problems
- Social factors
- The importance of thermal comfort, light and electrical safety
- The impact of noxious gases
- Dust - a problem for pigs and people
- Practical considerations
- Using air movement to improve pig environment
- Index