On a pig farm, producers are familiar with the leg and crushing problems associated with older pregnant sows.
After several litters, they have a lack of calcium in the bones, which weakens the lower limbs and causes injuries to the joints.
In other words, 15 to 20% of sows have weakness in their legs at the end of gestation, which causes them to slip on concrete or plastic slat floors.
That said, Agriclé has developed the Split Saver® mat concept and calls on the expertise of the manufacturer Huber Technik (specialist in the manufacture of rubber mats for cattle) for the production.
Unlike other available products, the rubber used for the Split Saver mat is not recycled. And at its center is a resistant textile membrane that prevents it from tearing. It is therefore a winning combination that offers the following advantages:
- Extremely durable
- Does not disintegrate like many products currently on the market (a mat that chips will block the slurry pit or gullies)
- Allows fluids to flow easily
- Provides flexibility and comfort for the pet thanks to the studs under the mat
PIG FARMER TESTIMONIAL
"This farrowing mat saves a sow with a slight leg pain. It also helps to prolong the life of another animal who has a bigger problem with her legs until the end of lactation (an animal that we would normally have euthanized sooner). - Comments from Sébastien Blanchette, maternity manager at Ferme GMS Beaudry in Upton.
After three years of testing with pig producers, the Split Saver anti-slip farrowing mat is now part of the basic equipment of several dozen pig barns that participated in the research and development program. They saw a marked improvement in the sow's movement and much less crushing of piglets.
CONCLUSION
Finally, this farrowing mat has a unique design and are pre-cut, ready to be placed in the gestation crates of lame sows. They are easy to clean and the rubber is resistant to chemicals and ammonia. A well-thought-out product for animal welfare and useful for pig production.
With a minor investment, the producer will have peace of mind, knowing that the sow will feel more confident to get up and eat and drink. This necessarily improves her performance and lactation (since she gets up more quickly after giving birth).
