Effects of Manure Handling Systems on Swine Health

Modern swine production confinement systems have brought about significant improvements in the quantity and quality of meat products for human consumption. This has been achieved because of the ability to maintain good environmental conditions and to apply sound management techniques, therefore, allowing the animals to achieve maximum performance. These intensive production systems have animals in close proximity to each which results in the large quantities of manure that must be handled. Thus the manure system becomes an integral part of the total production system. If the manure is not handled in a sanitary manner, if the gases and odors from decomposing manure are not reduced through ventilation; there are increased risks of disease and reduced performance to the confined animals. But ventilation for the reduction of odors, if not properly designed and utilized, can lead to increased draftiness in the environment and also can have a chilling effect on the pigs which increase health problems and reduce performance