THE wasting diseases PDNS and PMWS have spread to many pig herds throughout the UK.

Although not harmful to humans, the effects can be devastating and vary from herd to herd. There is no known cure and understanding of the disease is poor but good hygiene and low stress have a big influence in reducing its effect.

Seeing the problems influenced by piggery design, Pyramid Systems have developed their Craftmaster system to offer piggeries which can house pigs from weaning right through to slaughter.

The design allows nursery facilities using equipment which can be removed and additional pen space is provided to allow pigs to grow up to slaughter weight without over stocking.

An essential part of the design is the treatment of each production group of pigs as a separate entity allowing cleaning, disinfection and resting between batches.

"We've know for years that keeping pigs in the same pens saves money but now the industry is having to face up to just how expensive the cost of moving pigs can really be," said Pyramid Systems' managing director Geoff Thompson.

"It's win-win, whether wasting disease is in the herd or not, and at surprisingly little extra capital cost."

Updated: 09:18 Thursday, October 04, 2001