Con-Tented - Aardvark Farrowing Ark Hut

Improved genetics are giving farmers ever larger litters, however there is a danger that mortality rates could rise to unacceptable levels. This new ark might be simple in design but it comes with features that can’t be achieved with the more traditional steel or timber arks.

The plastic ark is UV stable, recyclable and will outlast metal huts.  Easily cleaned with no ledges or corners to trap dirt. The spherical shape is already very strong but filling the cavity with foam creates an exceptionally robust hut.

The Aardvark Ark and fender is designed to prevent the sow from lying against any side walls and crushing the piglets. The internal area is 4.15m2 which is larger than most other huts. The ark is fully insulated with approximately 50mm of foam so piglets lie against the side walls away from the sow. An automatic ram opens and closes the rear vent producing six degrees less variation compared to insulated metal arks. Reduced condensation reduces the amount of straw required.

The slide over door and igloo shaped porch provide some extra weather protection and are a deterrent to foxes. The fender has an integral water tank and 2 nipples which ensures full compliance with welfare legislation. The tank is automatically drained when folding the fender up. The ark and fender can then be moved as one. Two small creep troughs are built into the fender, again out of reach from the sow.

Trial results from farms in England and Scotland consistently show a quarter to half a pig per litter improvement in numbers weaned and half a kilogram improvement in weaning weights.

ENVIRONMENTAL Findings

• The arks are a number of degrees cooler in summer and warmer in the winter

• The arks are lighter on the inside, allowing easy observation

• The design of the Con-Tented Ark allows the sow room to manoeuvre, reducing the risk of crushing the piglets

• 100% recyclable with an end of life value

• Durable twin skin plastic construction

• New slide over door, now even easier to use

• Temperature controlled rear window

• Weighs 150kg (fully insulated)

• 50mm air gap for insulation

• 25 years galvanized metal finish

• Flip up plastic fender with integrated drinker and creep feeder

• Regrigeration grade PU foam insulation (50mm) - optional

• Less condensation reducing straw usage

• Floor available

• Reduced internal temperature range

• Better mortality due to 360 degrees of safety for piglets

• Increased weening weights due the sow spending more time in the arcs serving the piglets

• Greatly improved life expectancy

• Excellent lying space for both sows and young

• Smooth moulded plastic is easy to keep clean and prevents injuries.

• Stable in high winds