Fig. 2 shows the layout of a piggery used for housing sows and their piglets. (a) Name the parts labelled E, F and G on Fig. 2. [3] (b) Explain why a farrow...

Labelled answer diagram:

(a) The labelled parts of the piggery layout are:

• E - Farrowing crate (sow stall) [1]. This is a metal frame that confines the sow during and after giving birth, allowing her to stand and lie down but restricting lateral movement to prevent her from crushing the piglets.
• F - Creep area (piglet creep) [1]. This is a small, enclosed section accessible only to piglets, providing them with a warm, safe space away from the sow.
• G - Slatted floor (drainage channel) [1]. Slats allow urine and waste to fall through to a collection channel below, keeping the pen surface drier and more hygienic.

(b) Why a farrowing pen has a separate creep area for piglets:

1. The creep area provides a warm, safe space where the sow cannot lie on and crush the piglets, which is a major cause of piglet mortality in the first days of life [1].
2. It can be heated separately using a heat lamp, because newborn piglets need a higher ambient temperature (around 30-35 degrees Celsius) than the sow (around 18-20 degrees Celsius) [1].

(c) A deep litter system for housing pigs:

1. A thick layer of bedding material such as straw or wood shavings is spread on the floor of the pen [1].
2. Fresh litter is added on top regularly rather than removing all the old material. The lower layers decompose over time and generate warmth through microbial activity, which helps keep the pigs comfortable in cooler weather [1].

(d) Advantages and disadvantages of indoor housing compared to outdoor free-range (each point must be explained for both marks):

Advantages (any two):

1. Animals are protected from extreme weather such as heavy rain, strong wind, and direct sun [1], which reduces cold stress and heat stress, and improves productivity [1].
2. The farmer can monitor animals more closely for signs of disease or injury [1] and provide treatment quickly, reducing mortality and improving welfare outcomes [1].

Disadvantages (any two):

1. The cost of construction and maintenance of the building (roof, floor, pens, ventilation system) is high [1], requiring significant capital investment that may not be affordable for small-scale farmers [1].
2. Indoor housing can lead to a build-up of harmful gases such as ammonia from manure [1], which causes respiratory problems in both pigs and workers if ventilation is inadequate [1].

Other valid disadvantages: abnormal behaviour such as tail biting due to boredom and restricted movement; regular cleaning needed to maintain hygiene.