Con-Tented - Model XL - 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 XL and fender is designed to prevent the sow from lying against any side walls and crushing the piglets. The internal area is 4.7m2 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

• Contented arks are cooler in summer and warmer in the winter

• Rear vent allows easy observation

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

• Sows spend more time in the arks serving the piglets

• 250mm / 10” longer than the standard Aardvark

• Twin skin plastic construction

• Temperature controlled rear window

• 360° of safety for piglets

• 50mm approx’ cavity for insulation

• Refrigeration grade PU foam insulation

• (50mm) - optional

• Little to no maintenance costs

• 4.7m2 / 50.5ft2 internal floor space

• More room for higher parity sows and

• bigger litters

• Flip up plastic fender with integrated

• drinker and creep feeder trough

• Contented arks are cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter

• Rear vent allows easy observation

• Wider door and rear vent than the

• standard Aardvark

• New user friendly slide over door

• 100% recyclable with an end of

• life value

• Reduced internal temperature range

• Less condensation reducing straw usage

• Lower mortality due to 360 of safety for piglets

• Increased weening weights (sow is in the ark for longer periods serving the piglets)

• Greatly improved life expectancy over metal huts

• Excellent lying space for both sows and young

• Smooth moulded plastic prevents injuries

• Stable in high winds