A better grip on stable climate

On 20 March 2018, during the StarFarmers suppliers association general members’ meeting, the results of the project ‘Meten is weten’ (’to measure is to know’) were announced. The aim of the project is to gain better insight into stable climate. The climate in the pig stables of 22 participants was measured. By measuring this continuously, pig farmers gain more insight and are able to make timely adjustments where necessary. ‘Connecting Agri & Food’ facilitates the project. The project has been made possible by the scheme ‘Supporting supply chain concepts’, Vion and the StarFarmers suppliers association.

To measure is to know

An optimal climate in the stable is an important precondition for animal health and welfare. Through ‘Connecting Agri & Food’, the participants had online access to the most recent measurement data via Intelligent Barn. Pig farmers are able to monitor the climate in the stable using Intelligent Barn technology. This gives participants insight into the temperature, relative humidity, air pressure and CO₂-level. The current data is clearly displayed on the farmer’s dashboard. This gives the pig farmer a better grip on production conditions. The pig farmer gains a better insight and can make timely adjustments if necessary.

Findings and conclusions

The project has provided insights into the stability of the department climate. Among the group of participants, there are differences in the amount and stability of the humidity and CO₂ level. Concrete recommendations for the participants concern adjustments to climate management: adjusting the course of the target temperature during the round, lowering or raising the target temperature or more ventilation at the end of a round. In addition, some participants already started to actively focus on data during the project phase, resulting in discernible improvements in levels. The chairman of suppliers association StarFarmers, Jaap Kreuger, satisfactorily concludes: “The results provide concrete stepping stones for us and will help us to move forward.”

Follow-up

The sensors will remain in the participants’ stables and further research will be carried out on stable climate using the sensors and the Intelligent Barn software. As of May, chain profiles will be drawn up, whereby data concerning slaughter findings at department level will be related to the department climate and the use of medication on the animals concerned during the growing phase and the nursery phase. The chain profiles offer the sow farmer and the pig farmer possibilities to better co-ordinate their management. The relationship between the quality of the end product from the farm and the combination of climate management and the use of medication will also be researched. Based on analysis, participants will be offered stepping stones for improvement.

For more information about this project and Intelligent Barn, contact Gé Backus or Harm van der Zanden.

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