THE FARM STRUCTURE
Farm animals can be reared indoors (picture 1) (most common in Europe) or outdoors (picture 2).The pigsty that you are going to renew is a good example of indoor farming.
It is important that these animals have a good level of welfare on the farm. Therefore, the buildings that they live in must include:
- Enough drinkers and feeders which the animals can use easily
- Clean and disinfected living space
- Different areas to walk, lie down etc.
- A flow of good air quality
- Protection from cold or hot weather and humidity
- Proper light during the day and darkness by night, so that the animals can rest properly
Furthermore, people in charge of the animals have to be well trained, so that they care for and handle the animals in the right way. They must inspect the farm at least once a day to check that the animals are safe and healthy.
European rules on the housing of pigs list specific requirements such as the amount of space they must have and how the surface of floor should be. Pigs' accommodation must be clean with a comfortable area to lie down (picture 3). They must have permanent access to material such as straw, hay, wood or sawdust, so that they can forage and explore, as is their nature. Furthermore, pigs prefer pens where they can differentiate between their litter area and the bedding area.
EU rules also say that pigs must be allowed to socialise with each other – they cannot be left alone and in isolation. Female pigs (sows and gilts) should not be tied up or kept in individual stalls when they are pregnant. They must be kept in a group until a few days before giving birth when they are moved to special pens.
You have now learned a lot about how to build and renovate a farm and you are ready to play the game! Good luck!
