LITTER-BED PIG HOUSE SYSTEM: CARING FOR BOTH

THE ANIMAL AND THE ENVIRONMENT

Shao-Yi Sheen
Division of Livestock Management
Livestock Research Institute (LRI), Council of Agriculture (COA)
112 Muchan, Hsinhua, Tainan, Taiwan ROC

ABSTRACT

The litter-bed pig house, made up of a conventional concrete floor and a litter-bed area, serves a
dual purpose: pig raising and pig waste treatment. It was developed by the Taiwan Livestock
Research Institute (TLRI) to make full use of animal manure and exempt it from wastewater
treatment. In the study conducted on the growth performance of pigs in the litter-bed pigpen, the
pigs’ growth was as good as those in the conventional concrete floor, be it for piglets or for
growing-finishing pigs. As long as the litter was kept dry, the temperature of the litter-bed was
maintained and the odor of the pig farms was controlled. The management of the litter-bed pig
farm also paid great attention to animal and environment welfare.

Key words: litter-bed pig pen, Taiwan, animal waste disposal, pig waste treatment, litter

INTRODUCTION Water Management Act, Air Pollution Control

Taiwan was first known to the western world
as “Formosa,” which meant beautiful island,
rich in natural resources and abundant with
varieties of plants and animals. However, since
its people and their activities increased during
the country’s development, the harmonious
relationship between man and the environment
declined. The same has been true in the case
of Taiwan’s animal industry. It developed
rapidly the past few decades, was transformed
from backyard farming to sideline profession,
and has transformed into intensive
management-run mass production business. At
the end of 2004, the number of animals raised
in farms were as follows: cattle, 145 thousand
head; pigs, 6.82 million head; goats, 249
thousand head; chicken, 108 million birds;
ducks, 9.8 million birds; etc. (COA 2005). Such
dense populations of animals inevitably
resulted in the occurrence of pollution
problems.
In Taiwan, the implemented environmental
laws and regulations concerning animal waste
disposal include the following: Environmental
Impact Assessment Act, Water Pollution
Control Act, Waste Disposal Act, Drinking
Act, and their implementation rules. The animal
producers, especially the pig farmers, have to
put great effort into animal waste treatment or
they may be charged with a stiff penalty.
Therefore, it is better for pig farmers to shift
their management strategy from efficient and
profitable management to an environmentally
friendly management.
Generally speaking, the choice of disposal
of animal wastes is highly dependent on the
housing design and the method of waste
cleaning used. Therefore, planning for the
waste treatment scheme before constructing the
animal house is advised. Through reduction,
recycle, and recovery of the animal wastes, the
management of animal farms can be more
economical and pollution can be kept at a
state of low or zero discharge. By doing so,
the animal industry can be accepted as a
healthy and environmentally friendly industry.
LITTER-BED ANIMAL HOUSES
The litter-bed pigpen has a normal,
conventional concrete floor where pigs can eat
and rest and another part is covered with a
bedding material to absorb pig manure. The pig

1
house is constructed for dual purpose: pig
raising and pig waste treatment. Such a layout
can produce a manure-litter mixture that retains
feces and urine in the confined area in the
pigpen for a period of time. Once the pigs are
sold, the manure-litter mixture is removed from
the confined area and is composted to make
organic fertilizer. This pig house is especially
suitable for small pig farms, where wastewater
treatment investment is not economical.
In brief, the litter-bed pigpen has two
parts: 1) a 30-40 cm deep pit floor covered
with a bedding to absorb the pig manure, and
2) a concrete floor for feeding and other
activities. Rice husk and dry compost are the
common bedding materials. The addition of
probiotics or microbial products as bedding
supplement is not required at all. Neither
wastewater nor annoying odor is generated
when enough litter-bed area is provided.
Generally speaking, each finishing pig requires
about 0.4-0.6 m2 x 40 cm (deep) of litter-bed
space.
2
LAYOUT OF A LITTER-BED PIG FARM
TLRI researchers have been conducting studies
on manure-bed pig houses since 1987 (Hong et
al. 1989; Hong et al. 1990; Hong et al. 1994;
Hong et al. 1995). The results showed that the
average daily body weight gain, feed
conversion ratio, and the survival rate of the
piglets raised in the manure-bed pigpens were
all superior to those raised in the conventional
concrete-floor pig houses. In 1997, five
conventional pig houses were remodeled to set
up a complete litter-bed pig farm, including one
breeding pig house, one farrowing pig house,
two growing-finishing pig houses and one
composting house (Fig. 1).
The pig houses are situated on an east-
west alignment to receive proper sunshine in
southern Taiwan. The litter-bed pigpens can be
simplified into two kinds: 1) ordinary litter-bed
pig pens for boars, gilts/dry sows, and
growers/finishers, though the required spaces
for different pigs varied (Table 1); and 2)
farrowing litter-bed pigpens for farrowing pigs
and weaners.
In the ordinary litter-bed pigpen, the
concrete floor with a concrete wall is located
on the northern side and the litter-bed with
tubular fronts is on the southern side (Fig. 2).
Fig. 1. A full view of the
litter-bed pig farm.
Table 1. Space requirements for different types of pigs in litter-bed houses
Pig Concrete floor
m2/pig
Boar 7.0–9.0
Sow 2.0–2.4
Grower 0.8–1.0
Finisher 1.0–1.2
Farrowing 4.0–5.0
Fig. 2. A litter-bed pigpen for breeding and growing-finishing pigs.
The drinker is installed on the tubular fronts,
while the feed trough is placed on the
concrete floor. This layout helps train the pigs
to dung on the litter-bed. The beddings are
added to keep the water content of the litter at
less than 40%. The dry beddings provide
comfortable and clean air environment for the
pigs. No daily wash is required. The rainwater
and the spilled drinking water are collected
separately from the pig wastewater. The tubular
fronts can be rolled backward to the concrete
floor when the dung-litter mixture needs to be
cleaned out (Fig. 3). The liquid waste from the
farrowing house is collected in the storage
tank and added to the litter mixture during
composting. Therefore, this farm generates no
wastewater.
The major difference between the litter-bed
farrowing house and the conventional one is
that two 10-cm-deep litter-beds are located on
both sides of the farrowing crate (Fig. 4). The
beddings in the litter-bed can keep the
Litter-bed
m2 x m/pig
(area x depth)
0.6–0.8 x 0.4
0.6–0.8 x 0.4
0.3–0.5 x 0.25
0.5–0.6 x 0.4
2.0 x 0.1
newborn piglets warmer for them to grow
healthier. The sow is moved to the farrowing
house one week before delivery. At weaning,
the sow is moved back to the breeding house.
The weaned pigs stay in the farrowing house
until six to eight weeks of age and then
moved to the growing-finishing houses. This
arrangement can prevent the weaned pigs from
the multiple stresses of weaning, moving, and
regrouping at the same time.
This type of pig house has many
advantages. Its simple structure entails low
construction and labor cost and no wastewater
discharge. It is suggested that the operation
of litter-bed pig farms be divided into three
stages: dry and pregnant sows, farrowing pigs,
and growing-finishing pigs.
Since a litter-bed pig farm needs no
regular washing, sanitation and disinfection are
particularly important. A routine, once-a-week
parasiticide application for disinfection is
needed.
3
Fig. 3. The tubular front is moved
backward for litter cleaning.
GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF PIGS
IN THE LITTER-BED PIG HOUSES
To investigate the growth performance of pigs,
257 hogs from 28 litters, produced by 14 sows
sired by a Duroc (D) boar, were evaluated.
Sows used in the study included five Landrace
(L) females and nine offspring of Landrace
sows crossed with Yorkshire boars (LY). The
average daily gains of barrows and gilts from
70 to 150 days of age were 0.73-0.75 kg and
0.73-0.74 kg, respectively (Table 2) (Sheen et al.
2001). Littering performances of sows were
also evaluated. Litter size born alive,
percentages of preweaning (3-4 weeks of age)
survival, and percentages of piglet survival
from 3-4 weeks to 70 days of age were 9.18
piglets/sow/litter, 97.7%, and 98.4%,
respectively.
Hong et al. (1995) carried out pig-raising
field tests in a farm located in Ur-Lueen
Township, Yunglin County, starting from
October 1994 to May 1995. The performance of
the conventional slatted farrowing pens and
manure-bed (filled with rice husks) farrowing
pens were compared. Table 3 shows that, when
the piglets were five weeks of age, the average
gain of live weight and percentages of piglet
survival in the manure-bed farrowing pens were
higher than those in the conventional farrowing
pens, but they were not significantly different.
This finding was similar to that of Hong et al.
(1994).
4
Fig. 4. A farrowing pigpen.
THE IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT
The high temperature and the offensive odor
generated from the litter-bed during the hot
season are the frequent complaints on the
litter-bed system. Controlling the water content
of litter at less than 40% can solve both
problems. The dry litter does not allow the
microbes to carry out fermentation in the litter-
bed. Fig. 5 shows the temperatures of the
top, center, and bottom litter compared with
the ambient temperature. It was found that
during the pig-raising period, the room
temperatures were always higher than the litter
temperatures, while the temperature of the top
litter was the lowest. Thus, the pigs will not
suffer from heat stress in the hot season.
The odor at the boundary of the litter-bed
pig farm was also monitored for successive 10
months. The results showed that under proper
management, the odor measurements at the
boundary met the legal restriction, which is 50
for the agriculture and animal husbandry area
(Table 4). Regardless of the big varied
background data, the odor-monitored results
throughout the year were satisfied.
The relationship between odor emission
and nitrification of litter material was also
studied in litter-bed pigpens paved with rice
husk and mature compost for bedding, and in
an empty pigpen as control. The odor
measurements of the bedding surface were 17-
30, 167 ± 117, and 203 ± 145 for the control,
Table 2. Performances of piglets and hogs raised in the litter-bed pig housesa, b, c

Item Survival Barrow Gilt

% Breed Breed
LD LYD LD LYD

Body weight,
kg
1.73± 1.76± 1.60±
At Birth -- 1.87±0.059(49)
0.04(84) 0.05(53) 0.04(71)

5.86± 5.48± 5.46±

3 weeks -- 5.82±0.14(49)
0.10(81) 0.13(52) 0.11(71)

21.0± 20.1± 20.2±

70 days -- 20.7±0.7(26)
0.6(43) 0.6(34) 0.6(34)

80.0± 80.0± 78.7±

150 days -- 82.8±3.0(10)
2.0(20) 3.1(9) 2.1(16)

12.1± 102.2± 105.6±

At marketing -- 104.8±2.3(27)
1.9(41) 2.6(22) 2.1(34)

Age of 199.6± 198.1± 197.8±

marketing -- 197.7±2.5(27)
days 2.0(41) 2.8(22) 2.2(34)
Daily gain, kg 0.20± 0.18± 0.18±
Birth -3/4 97.7% 0.19±0.01(49)
weeks 0.00(81) 0.01(52) 0.00(71)
3/4 weeks - 0.31± 0.29± 0.30±
70 days 98.4% 0.30±0.01(26)
0.01(43) 0.01(34) 0.01(34)

70 days - -- 0.73± 0.73± 0.74±

150 days 0.75±0.03(10)
0.02(20) 0.03(9) 0.02(16)
a
The experiments were conducted from March 1999 to July 2000.
b
Mean± SD.
c
The numbers shown in the parentheses are the numbers of the tested pigs.
Source: Sheen et al. 2001.

compost, and rice husk group, respectively,
while concentrations of NH3, H2S, and (CH3)3N
in the center of the compost group’s bedding
were higher than those of the rice husk group.
Monitoring the distribution of TN, NO 3- and
NO2- among different layers of litter bedding,
the highest concentration was found in the
bottom layer, the center layer next, and the
bedding surface, the lowest for both
experimental groups. Therefore, it was expected
that the odor emission of the litter bed was
related to the nitrification of the bedding in
litter-bed pigpen. The measured pH, EC, TN, P,
K, Cu, Zn of the compost group were higher
than those of the rice husk group, even
though the variation trends during the
experiment period of the two experimental
groups were similar. The concentrations of the
rice husk group were higher than those of the
compost group. Therefore, in addition to the
rice husks, the mature and dry compost can be
used as good beddings.

5
Table 3. Performances of the manure-bed and the conventional farrowing pens

Litter-bed Conventional floor

No. of litters 21 21
After farrowing
Piglets survival per litter (head) 10.3±1.3 9.5±1.3
Live weight (kg) 1.43±0.26 1.48±0.28
Three-week-old
Piglets survival per litter (head) 10.1±1.2 9.3±1.1
Survival (%) 98.1 97.9
Live weight (kg) 5.37±0.43 5.55±0.53
Five-week-old
Piglets survival per litter (head) 10.0±1.2 9.1±1.1
Survival (%) 97.1 95.8
Live weight (kg) 9.46±0.63 9.16±0.69

Source: Hong et al. 1995.

35
Te mpe rature (C)

30

25

Top Center
Bottom Ambient

20
6 24 50 69 88 105 125 144
Days
Fig. 5. The temperature changes of rice-husk litter in the litter-bed pig house

Table 4. The odor monitoring of the litter-bed pig farm

Odor
Date Upwind Downwind
background boundary

0306 71 36
0331 10 24
0425 10 21
0522 10 30
0620 <10 25
0713 10 41
0830 4 24
0925 188 17
1026 10 48
1128 10 30

6
Table 5. Changes of the constituents of the litter during composting
Com- pH Moisture Organic TN NH4+-N NO2--N NO3--N TKN
posting matter
time

days % ppm

0 6.4 62.6 77.7 2.8 95 0.77 689 796

15 5.7 62.7 77.2 3.1 137 0.40 129 510
20 5.1 60.6 76.7 3.6 199 0.56 120 538
29 6.4 59.4 75.3 3.8 221 0.69 151 577
37 6.7 54.7 74.0 3.5 289 1.13 87 650
44 6.7 50.0 72.6 3.7 233 29.38 78 443
51 6.7 47.7 70.6 3.6 188 46.88 120 359
70 6.6 28.6 69.8 4.1 216 7.30 118 381

COMPOSTING THE LITTER
After the pigs are sold or when the litter-bed
needs to be emptied of its litter, the tubular
fronts are rolled backward to the concrete
floor. The emptied litter mixture is then
stacked for composting. The wind rows are
turned once a week to supply air to the
compost and to mix the compost more
homogeneously.
In the study, from 45 days to marketing
age, each growing-finishing pig consumed
44.9 kg of rice husks for bedding and
generated 180 kg litter (contained 40.8%
moisture). After 70 days of composting, the
litter ripened into mature compost with 28.6%
moisture, 69.8% organic matter, and 4.1% total
nitrogen (Table 5) (Sheen 2001). This compost
is a good organic fertilizer.
ANIMAL WELFARE
In the litter-bed pig farm, daily washing is
omitted. Thus the construction of wastewater
treatment facilities is consequently not
necessary. The pigs will not be bothered by
the washing, enjoying the extra litter-bed area
saved from the wastewater treatment. The
rainwater and spilled drinking water collection
devices help to keep the litter and the floor
dry, and provide the pigs with a dry and
comfortable environment.
The sow is moved into the farrowing
house one week before delivery and is moved
out at weaning. Thus, for each delivery, the
sow is kept in the crate for only five weeks.
In addition, the beddings in the farrowing
house help to keep the newborn piglets warm.
The not-so-humid environment in the farrowing
house will contribute to the microbe control
and healthy growth of the pigs.
CONCLUSION
The animal industry in Taiwan is faced with
the double stresses of improving profit
efficiency and ensuring environmental
protection. To maintain the competitiveness of
the business, animal farmers have to adjust
their management strategy from being product-
directed to creating the environment-efficiency
balance and to build up a business that is
cost-effective and low-discharge. The best
strategy for this challenge is to follow the 4R
principle – reduction, recycle, recovery, and
reuse. The litter-bed pig system was developed
according to this principle. The results proved
that it is not only about caring for good
animal production, but also for the welfare of
the animal and the environment. By this we
can achieve a harmonious and sustainable
animal business.
REFERENCES
Council of Agriculture. 2005. Agricultural
statistics yearbook.
Hong, C. M.; T. W. Lin; M. S. Lee; C. H. Su.
1989. Studies on manure-compost hog
houses. J. of Chinese Soc. of Animal Sci.
18 (1-2): 99-110.
Hong, C. M.; T. W. Lin; M. S. Lee; N. T. Yen.
1990. Performance of growing-finishing pig

7
 raised in manure-bed pens. J. of Chinese
Soc. of Animal Sci. 19 (3-4): 191-206.
Hong, C. M.; T. W. Lin; C. C. Cheng; M. S.
Lee; N. T. Yen; Y. S. Cheng; C. Tai. 1991.
Construction and management of manure-
bedded pig houses. Special edition, Number
11, Taiwan Livestock Research Institute,
Taiwan, ROC.
Hong, C. M.; N. T. Yen; M. C. Lee; G. S.
Tsai; T. W. Lin. 1994. Performance of
piglets on composting-manure farrowing
beds. J. of Taiwan Livestock Res. 27 (1):
61-67.
Hong, C. M.; M. S. Lee; T. W. Lin; P. K.
Lei; C. Tai. 1995. A field study of manure-
bedded farrowing pens. Research report
published by Taiwan Livestock Research
Institute.
Hong, C. M.; C. H. Su; , B. Y. Wang. 1997.
Research and development of manure-
bedded pig houses. J. of Chinese Soc. of
Animal Sci. 26 (Suppl.): 224.
Sheen, S. Y. 2003. The strategy of the
management of the eco-animal industry —
Turning the wastes into resources. In:
Chou, C. H. and S. S. Yang (eds.), pp. 25-
38, The challenges of agriculture in
production, life and ecology. ISBN 957-01-
5866-2. Taipei, Taiwan.
Sheen, S. Y.; C. M. Hong; M. T. Koh; C. C.
Su. 1994. Swine waste treatment in Taiwan.
FFTC Book Series No. 145/1994 pp. 87-97.
Sheen, S.Y.; C. C. Su; M. S. Lee; H. L. Chang;
C. M. Hong. 2001. Study on the
management model of litter bedded pig
houses. Livestock Research 34,2: 69-78.