Penning

Pens for different species and ages of animals require different design features. Careful planning is required in multi-species premises, where the same pens are used for more than one species.

The penning together of animals from different social groups is not advisable in any situation. Most farm animal species live in structured groups, even if this is a loose association, and they can recognise the other members of the group. In these groups there is a hierarchy and the individual animals each know their place in the group: knowing who to avoid and who to stay near. When mixed, this hierarchy is challenged and it can be expected that there will be increased stress, anxiety and fighting amongst individuals as new social orders are established.

Unlike the sides of raceways, which should be solid, having open sided pens (Figure 12) can be beneficial for some species, i.e. sheep and cattle, as this allows visual contact with other animals and helps keep animals calm. However, for pigs, solid sides are recommended (Figure 13). Unfamiliar pigs tend to fight and become aggressive if they are able to see each other in adjacent pens, therefore visual contact is not advisable. Additionally, pigs prefer to lie against solid walls, and rectangular, solid-sided pens enable more pigs to exhibit this behaviour.

Figure 12	Figure 13

For multi-species pens, the use of barred gates combined with stockboards can work successfully (Figure 14). Stockboards should be fitted up to pig head height, allowing sheep and cattle to see into other pens but preventing pigs from doing so.

Figure 14

The design of the entrances and exits of pens also requires consideration. Pens which have only one entrance are more difficult to empty as the handler first has to move through the group of animals before moving them out. Pens with two gates at the front which open both ways (Figure 15) are more appropriate as the handler does not have to pass through the animals. This is also a safer option for staff. Pens that open in a continuous line (Figure 16) are also very effective at allowing good movement of animals through the system. These pens can be filled direct from the unloading bay, allowing a simple and non-confusing route for the animals. Additionally, there is less requirement for human interaction and the system is more versatile as the pen size can be determined as they fill.

Figure 15

Figure 16

It is important that access to the water facilities is not blocked when gates are left open to increase pen size (Figures 17 and 18).

Figure 17 - Drinker blocked by gate	Figure 18 - Adapted gate

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