Swine Farm Layout: Designing for Efficiency and Biosecurity

This article provides practical guidance for farmers, farm employees, veterinarians, advisers, students, and farm planners who are designing a new swine facility or renovating an existing one. The focus is on layout decisions that support efficient pig flow, strong biosecurity zones, and sensible equipment placement. The content draws on published research and official animal health resources to help you make informed choices that protect herd health and farm profitability.

At a Glance: Key Layout Decisions

The table below summarizes the main layout considerations covered in this article. Use it as a quick reference when planning or evaluating a facility.

Core Principles of Swine Facility Design

The layout of a swine farm directly influences disease control, labor efficiency, and animal welfare. A well-designed facility supports the natural movement of pigs through production stages while preventing the spread of pathogens between groups. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations provides resources on animal production that emphasize the importance of facility design in sustainable livestock systems (FAO Animal Production and Health).

The primary design principle is one-way pig flow. Pigs should move from farrowing to nursery to grow-finish without ever returning to a previous stage. This prevents older pigs from exposing younger, more vulnerable animals to pathogens they may carry without showing signs of illness. All-in/all-out management, where an entire room or barn is emptied and cleaned before a new group arrives, is a practical way to break disease cycles.

A second core principle is the separation of clean and dirty areas. The clean area includes pig housing, feed storage, and equipment that contacts pigs. The dirty area includes the outside environment, vehicle parking, and manure handling systems. The line between these areas must be clear and consistently enforced. The World Organisation for Animal Health provides guidance on animal health and welfare that supports the importance of biosecurity in preventing disease spread (WOAH Animal Health and Welfare).

A third principle is the placement of equipment to minimize labor and stress. Feed lines, water systems, and ventilation controls should be positioned for easy access and maintenance. Handling facilities should allow pigs to move calmly without excessive force. Poor equipment placement increases labor costs and can lead to injuries for both pigs and workers.

Biosecurity Zones and Farm Layout

Biosecurity is the most important consideration in swine farm layout. The design of the facility should create physical barriers that prevent pathogens from entering and spreading. The USDA National Agricultural Library provides resources on animal health and welfare that cover biosecurity principles for livestock operations (USDA NAL Animal Health and Welfare).

Perimeter and Entry Control

The farm perimeter is the first line of defense. A clear boundary, such as a fence, defines the farm property and controls access. Vehicle parking should be located outside the perimeter. A single entry point for people and vehicles simplifies biosecurity enforcement. This entry point should include a changing room where visitors and workers leave street clothes and put on farm-specific clothing and boots.

Showering before entering the pig area is a standard practice on many commercial farms. Research on swine worker microbiomes found that mandatory showering at the end of the workday partially returned the skin microbiome to its original state, demonstrating that existing biosecurity practices can reduce work-associated microbial exposure (Reducing skin microbiome exposure impacts through swine farm biosecurity). This finding supports the value of shower facilities as part of farm layout.

Internal Zoning

Within the farm, separate zones should be established for different activities. The breeding and gestation area, farrowing area, nursery, and grow-finish area should be physically separated. This separation prevents the movement of pathogens from older to younger pigs. It also allows workers to follow a daily routine that moves from cleanest to dirtiest areas.

A practical approach is to arrange buildings so that workers move from farrowing to nursery to grow-finish during the day. This order reduces the risk of carrying pathogens from older pigs to newborns. Some farms use color-coded boots and clothing for each zone to reinforce the separation.

Wildlife and Pest Control

Wildlife, particularly feral swine, can introduce serious diseases to domestic pig herds. Classical swine fever remains one of the most important transboundary viral diseases of swine worldwide, and wild boars are a reservoir host that can transmit the virus sporadically to pig farms (Classical Swine Fever: An Updated Review). Facility design should include measures to prevent wildlife entry, such as solid fencing, rodent control programs, and feed storage that is inaccessible to wildlife.

A case study of a transitional swine facility that experienced exposure to a feral boar infected with pseudorabies virus illustrates the importance of planning for wildlife exposure. The facility took steps to mitigate problems created by the exposure, and these steps serve as discussion points for other facilities in planning for continuity of operations (Continuity of operations following a known feral boar exposure in a transitional swine facility).

Pig Flow and Building Arrangement

The arrangement of buildings on the farm site determines how efficiently pigs move through production stages. The goal is to minimize the distance pigs travel and to prevent cross-contamination between groups.

Farrowing to Nursery Flow

Piglets are born in farrowing rooms and typically remain there for three to four weeks. After weaning, they move to nursery facilities. The nursery should be located close to the farrowing area to reduce transport stress. The movement of weaned pigs should follow a clean route that does not cross paths with grow-finish pigs.

Nursery to Grow-Finish Flow

After the nursery phase, pigs move to grow-finish facilities where they remain until market weight. This is the longest phase of production and requires the most space. The grow-finish area should be designed for efficient loading and unloading of market pigs. A loading ramp that allows trucks to back up to the building reduces the distance pigs must walk and minimizes stress.

All-In/All-Out Management

All-in/all-out management is a key component of pig flow design. This system involves filling an entire room or barn with pigs of the same age and health status, then emptying the room completely before cleaning and disinfecting it for the next group. This approach breaks the cycle of pathogen transmission between groups.

Research on group size in growing-finishing pigs with intact tails found that group size did not influence average daily gain, feed intake, or feed to gain ratio. However, pigs housed in small groups experienced more frequent and severe tail injuries, including a higher proportion of removals due to tail wounds (Influence of group size on performance and tail biting in growing-finishing pigs with intact tails). This finding suggests that pen design and group size decisions should consider welfare outcomes, beyond growth performance.

Manure Management and Environmental Protection

Manure handling is a critical component of swine facility design. The location and type of manure storage affect water quality, odor, and pathogen survival. The design should protect both the farm and the surrounding community.

Manure Storage Options

Common manure storage systems include deep pits under slatted floors, outdoor lagoons, and above-ground tanks. Each system has advantages and disadvantages. Deep pits allow frequent removal but require careful ventilation management. Lagoons are common in many regions but require significant land area and careful management to prevent overflow.

A survey of pork producers in Wisconsin found that pit ventilation and mechanical ventilation were reported at 58% and 85% of surveyed facilities, highlighting the need to increase adoption of mechanical ventilation for air quality, especially in farms with under-barn storage (Pork Production Survey to Assess Factors of Facility Design and Operation). This finding underscores the importance of integrating ventilation design with manure storage decisions.

Water Quality Protection

Manure storage must be located away from wells, streams, and other water sources. The USDA Agricultural Research Service provides resources on animal production and protection that address environmental stewardship in livestock systems (USDA ARS Animal Production and Protection).

Research on antibiotic-resistant Salmonella in swine wastes found that resistant isolates were most common in raw waste flushed from hog houses and in lagoon wastewater, with few resistant isolates found in on-farm surface water. The study suggested that management of wastes from hog facilities should be designed to further reduce the risk of human exposures resulting from environmental contamination with Salmonella (Antibiotic-resistant Salmonella in swine wastes and farm surface waters). This finding supports the importance of proper manure storage and land application practices.

Nutrient Management Planning

Facilities with less than 300 animal units often lack nutrient management planning and other practices for water quality, according to the Wisconsin survey. Regardless of facility size, water reduction practices were very commonly reported, indicating that water conservation is important to producers (Pork Production Survey to Assess Factors of Facility Design and Operation). A nutrient management plan should be part of the facility design process to ensure that manure application rates match crop needs and do not exceed water quality standards.

Ventilation and Air Quality

Proper ventilation is essential for pig health and worker safety. The design of the ventilation system affects air quality, temperature control, and disease transmission. Poor ventilation can lead to respiratory disease and reduced growth performance.

Ventilation System Design

Mechanical ventilation is the most common approach in modern swine facilities. The system should provide fresh air to pigs while removing moisture, heat, and gases such as ammonia and carbon dioxide. Air intake openings should be positioned to avoid drawing in contaminated air from manure storage or exhaust fans.

The Wisconsin survey found that mechanical ventilation was reported at 85% of surveyed facilities, while pit ventilation was reported at 58% (Pork Production Survey to Assess Factors of Facility Design and Operation). This finding suggests that while most facilities have mechanical ventilation, there is room for improvement in pit ventilation adoption, particularly in farms with under-barn storage.

Monitoring Air Quality

Digital technologies are increasingly available for monitoring air quality in swine barns. A study on digital twin-based virtual sensor prediction proposed a method for predicting environmental data in areas where sensors cannot be placed. The hybrid model achieved high prediction accuracy for variables with strong spatial heterogeneity, such as carbon dioxide and ammonia, with coefficients of determination exceeding 0.95 (Digital Twin-Based Virtual Sensor Data Prediction and Visualization Techniques for Smart Swine Barns). This technology can help farmers identify problem areas in their ventilation systems.

Worker Respiratory Health

Swine farmers are exposed to airborne contaminants associated with respiratory ill health. A longitudinal study of swine farmers found a significant healthy worker effect, meaning that farmers who continued working in the industry had better lung function than those who quit. The herd size in the barn at baseline was a significant predictor of quitting swine farming (Lung function and farm size predict healthy worker effect in swine farmers). This finding highlights the importance of designing facilities that protect worker respiratory health through good ventilation and dust control.

Equipment Placement and Labor Efficiency

The placement of equipment within the facility affects labor efficiency and animal welfare. Well-designed facilities reduce the time workers spend moving pigs, cleaning pens, and performing routine tasks.

Feed and Water Systems

Feed lines should be arranged to deliver feed efficiently to all pens. Automated feeding systems can reduce labor and improve feed consistency. Water lines should be accessible for maintenance and positioned to prevent contamination. Water consumption should be monitored to detect health problems early.

Handling Facilities

Loading ramps and handling chutes should be designed to move pigs calmly and efficiently. Sharp turns, steep ramps, and poor lighting cause stress and increase the risk of injury. A well-designed handling system reduces the time needed to move pigs and improves worker safety.

Maintenance Access

Equipment such as ventilation fans, heating systems, and manure removal equipment requires regular maintenance. The layout should provide easy access to this equipment without requiring workers to enter pig pens. Service corridors and accessible utility rooms reduce maintenance time and improve safety.

Disease Prevention and Surveillance

The layout of the facility should support disease surveillance and response. Early detection of disease allows for rapid intervention and reduces the spread of pathogens.

Sampling and Monitoring

Oral fluid sampling has been widely adopted in swine health surveillance. A survey of swine practitioners found that nearly all respondents (99%) reported being familiar with or using oral fluid sampling for diagnostic purposes. The median number of ropes hung per barn was two, with 68% using one rope per two pens (Swine Practitioner Practices on Oral Fluid Sampling in U.S. Swine Farms). The layout should include accessible locations for hanging ropes and collecting samples.

Disease Response Planning

The facility design should support rapid response to disease outbreaks. This includes the ability to isolate affected animals, restrict movement, and conduct thorough cleaning and disinfection. A case study of African swine fever elimination in a large-scale breeding herd in China described a strategy that involved ceasing pig movements immediately upon detection, implementing strict biosecurity protocols, and conducting epidemiological investigations to identify high-risk zones (Elimination of ASFV via Precise Culling in a Large-Scale Breeding Herd in China). The layout should allow for the creation of isolation areas and the movement of pigs without contaminating clean areas.

Diagnostic Capabilities

Field diagnostic devices are being developed for rapid detection of swine viral diseases. A study on photonic biosensors described a field diagnostic device based on advanced bio-sensing and photonics technologies to tackle emerging and endemic viruses causing swine epidemics (Design and Development of Photonic Biosensors for Swine Viral Diseases Detection). While this technology is still under development, the facility design should include space for diagnostic equipment and sample storage.

African Swine Fever and Transboundary Disease Considerations

African swine fever (ASF) is a major threat to swine production worldwide. The disease has caused significant harm to pig farming in China since its spread, and it is considered the number one killer of swine on pig farms (African swine fever recovery in China). Facility design should incorporate measures to prevent ASF introduction and to respond effectively if the disease is detected.

Preventing ASF Introduction

ASF virus can be transmitted through multiple pathways, including pigs, people, vehicles, and waste. A pathway analysis of pork harvest facilities in the United States identified 42 potential transmission pathways, of which 39 were classified as unmitigated or of unknown mitigation status (A Qualitative, Descriptive Pathway Analysis to Explore Routes of African Swine Fever Virus Entry into and Spread from Two Pork Harvest Facilities in the United States). This finding highlights the importance of identifying and addressing all potential transmission routes in facility design.

Responding to ASF Detection

If ASF is detected, rapid response is essential. The case study from China described a "tooth extraction" strategy that involved timely monitoring, rapid culling, thorough disinfection, and enhanced biosecurity (Elimination of ASFV via Precise Culling in a Large-Scale Breeding Herd in China). The facility layout should support this type of response by allowing for the isolation of affected areas and the movement of personnel and equipment without spreading the virus.

Culling and Compensation

Culling policies and compensation mechanisms are important considerations for ASF response. Research on optimal design of culling compensation policy under African swine fever has been conducted based on simulations of typical pig farms in China (Optimal design of culling compensation policy under the African swine fever). Farmers should understand the compensation policies in their region and plan for the financial impact of a disease outbreak.

Worker Safety and Health

The layout of the facility affects worker safety and health. Swine farms present unique occupational risks, including exposure to airborne contaminants, zoonotic diseases, and physical hazards.

Zoonotic Disease Risks

Swine workers have direct daily contact with pigs and are exposed to animal-associated microbiomes within the workplace. Research on swine worker microbiomes found a significant increase in bacterial DNA load on worker skin during the workday, with concurrent changes in the composition and abundance of microbial taxa, resistance genes, and mobile genetic elements (Reducing skin microbiome exposure impacts through swine farm biosecurity). This finding underscores the importance of biosecurity measures that protect worker health.

Transmission of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) from animals to humans is a concern for human health. A study of human volunteers visiting a swine farm found that 94% of volunteers acquired MRSA during the farm visit. Two hours after leaving the stable, the nasal MRSA count had declined to unquantifiable levels in 95% of samples, and after 48 hours, 94% of volunteers were MRSA-negative (Transmission of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus to Human Volunteers Visiting a Swine Farm). The study found that nasal MRSA carriage was positively correlated to personal exposure to airborne MRSA and farm work involving pig contact.

Respiratory Protection

Swine farmers are exposed to airborne contaminants associated with respiratory ill health. The facility design should include measures to reduce dust and gas levels in the work environment. This includes proper ventilation, regular cleaning, and the use of personal protective equipment where necessary.

Facility Design for Worker Safety

The layout should include safe walkways, adequate lighting, and proper storage for equipment and supplies. Emergency exits should be clearly marked and accessible. The design should also consider the physical demands of farm work, such as the height of equipment and the distance workers must walk.

Common Failure Patterns in Facility Design

Understanding common design failures can help farmers avoid costly mistakes. The following patterns are frequently observed in swine facilities.

Inadequate Biosecurity Zones

A common failure is the lack of a clear line between clean and dirty areas. This can occur when the changing room is poorly located, when visitors do not follow biosecurity protocols, or when equipment moves between areas without proper cleaning. The result is an increased risk of disease introduction.

Poor Pig Flow

Another common failure is the mixing of age groups or the movement of pigs in a way that allows backtracking. This can occur when buildings are arranged without consideration of pig flow or when all-in/all-out management is not consistently implemented. The result is increased disease pressure and reduced growth performance.

Insufficient Ventilation

Inadequate ventilation is a frequent problem, particularly in older facilities or in farms with under-barn manure storage. Poor ventilation leads to high levels of ammonia, carbon dioxide, and dust, which can cause respiratory disease in pigs and workers. The Wisconsin survey found that pit ventilation was reported at only 58% of facilities, suggesting that many farms could improve their ventilation systems (Pork Production Survey to Assess Factors of Facility Design and Operation).

Manure Management Problems

Manure storage that is too close to water sources, that overflows, or that is not properly managed can cause environmental contamination and regulatory problems. The research on antibiotic-resistant Salmonella in swine wastes found that resistant isolates were common in hog wastes and present in environmental waters associated with hog facilities (Antibiotic-resistant Salmonella in swine wastes and farm surface waters). Proper manure management is essential for protecting water quality and reducing the risk of off-farm transport of pathogens.

Records and Measurements for Layout Evaluation

Evaluating the effectiveness of a facility layout requires systematic records and measurements. The following data should be collected and reviewed regularly.

Production Records

Production records should include pig flow data, including the number of pigs moved between stages, mortality rates, and growth performance. These records can identify bottlenecks in the facility design and areas where pig flow is not working as intended.

Environmental Monitoring

Environmental monitoring should include temperature, humidity, ammonia, and carbon dioxide levels in each room. The digital twin study demonstrated that virtual sensors can predict environmental data in areas where physical sensors cannot be placed, providing a more complete picture of the barn environment (Digital Twin-Based Virtual Sensor Data Prediction and Visualization Techniques for Smart Swine Barns).

Health Records

Health records should include disease incidence, treatment rates, and mortality by room or barn. These records can identify areas of the facility where disease pressure is higher, indicating a potential design problem.

Biosecurity Compliance

Biosecurity compliance should be monitored through visitor logs, observation of worker practices, and periodic audits. The pathway analysis approach used for pork harvest facilities can be adapted for on-farm use to identify potential transmission routes (A Qualitative, Descriptive Pathway Analysis to Explore Routes of African Swine Fever Virus Entry into and Spread from Two Pork Harvest Facilities in the United States).

Practical Implementation Steps

The following steps provide a practical approach to planning a new facility or renovating an existing one.

Step 1: Assess Current Operations

Begin by assessing the current facility and operations. Identify areas where pig flow is inefficient, where biosecurity is weak, and where equipment placement causes problems. Use production records, health records, and worker observations to identify specific issues.

Step 2: Define Goals and Priorities

Define the goals for the new or renovated facility. Priorities may include improved biosecurity, increased capacity, reduced labor, or better environmental control. Rank these priorities to guide design decisions.

Step 3: Develop a Conceptual Layout

Develop a conceptual layout that addresses the identified issues and meets the defined goals. Consider the principles of one-way pig flow, clean/dirty separation, and equipment placement. Use the At a Glance table as a starting point for key decisions.

Step 4: Consult with Experts

Consult with veterinarians, agricultural engineers, and other experts who can provide guidance on facility design. The USDA National Agricultural Library provides resources on animal health and welfare that can support decision-making (USDA NAL Animal Health and Welfare).

Step 5: Plan for Implementation

Develop a detailed implementation plan that includes timelines, budgets, and responsibilities. Consider how the renovation will affect ongoing operations and plan for temporary housing if needed.

Step 6: Monitor and Adjust

After implementation, monitor the performance of the new facility. Collect production, health, and environmental data to evaluate whether the design is meeting the defined goals. Make adjustments as needed to improve performance.

Limitations and Professional Escalation

Facility design has limitations that should be recognized. No design can completely eliminate the risk of disease introduction or spread. The best design is one that reduces risk to an acceptable level while supporting efficient production.

When to Consult a Professional

Farmers should consult with professionals in the following situations:

• When planning a new facility or major renovation
• When disease outbreaks occur repeatedly despite good management
• When environmental regulations are not being met
• When worker health problems are identified
• When considering new technologies or production systems

Veterinarians should be involved in decisions that affect animal health, including facility design. Agricultural engineers can provide guidance on ventilation, manure management, and equipment placement. The Food and Drug Administration provides resources on animal and veterinary topics that may be relevant to facility design decisions (FDA Animal and Veterinary Resources).

Recognizing Design Limitations

Farmers should recognize that facility design is only one component of successful swine production. Management practices, worker training, and disease surveillance are equally important. A well-designed facility cannot compensate for poor management, and good management cannot fully compensate for a poorly designed facility.

Welfare and Safety Context

Facility design has direct implications for animal welfare and worker safety. The design should support the behavioral and physiological needs of pigs while protecting the health and safety of workers.

Animal Welfare Considerations

The design of pens, flooring, and environmental controls affects pig welfare. Research on group size in growing-finishing pigs found that pigs in small groups experienced more frequent and severe tail injuries, including a higher proportion of removals due to tail wounds (Influence of group size on performance and tail biting in growing-finishing pigs with intact tails). This finding highlights the importance of considering welfare outcomes in pen design decisions.

Worker Safety Considerations

The facility design should protect workers from physical hazards, airborne contaminants, and zoonotic diseases. The research on MRSA transmission from swine farms found that short-term exposure to airborne MRSA poses a substantial risk for nasal carriage (Transmission of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus to Human Volunteers Visiting a Swine Farm). Proper ventilation, dust control, and personal protective equipment are essential components of worker safety.

Regulatory Compliance

Facility design must comply with local, state, and federal regulations. These regulations may address environmental protection, worker safety, and animal welfare. The USDA Agricultural Research Service provides resources on animal production and protection that can support regulatory compliance (USDA ARS Animal Production and Protection).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most important consideration in swine farm layout?

Biosecurity is the most important consideration. The layout should create physical barriers that prevent pathogens from entering the farm and spreading between groups. This includes a clear perimeter, a single entry point, and separation of clean and dirty areas. The World Organisation for Animal Health provides guidance on animal health and welfare that supports the importance of biosecurity in preventing disease spread (WOAH Animal Health and Welfare).

How should buildings be arranged for efficient pig flow?

Buildings should be arranged to support one-way movement from farrowing to nursery to grow-finish. The farrowing area should be located close to the nursery to reduce transport stress for weaned pigs. The grow-finish area should be designed for efficient loading and unloading of market pigs. All-in/all-out management should be supported by the building arrangement.

What is the clean/dirty line and why is it important?

The clean/dirty line is the boundary between the farm area where pigs are housed and the outside environment. This line is important because it defines where biosecurity measures apply. A changing room at the clean/dirty line allows workers and visitors to change clothing and boots before entering the pig area. Showering at this line is a standard practice on many commercial farms.

How does manure storage location affect the farm layout?

Manure storage must be located away from wells, streams, and other water sources to protect water quality. The type of storage system affects ventilation design, particularly in farms with under-barn storage. The Wisconsin survey found that pit ventilation was reported at only 58% of facilities, suggesting that many farms could improve their ventilation systems (Pork Production Survey to Assess Factors of Facility Design and Operation).

What ventilation system is best for a swine barn?

Mechanical ventilation is the most common approach in modern swine facilities. The system should provide fresh air to pigs while removing moisture, heat, and gases such as ammonia and carbon dioxide. Pit ventilation is important in farms with under-barn manure storage. The design should be tailored to the specific climate, building type, and production system.

How can the facility design support disease surveillance?

The layout should include accessible locations for hanging ropes for oral fluid sampling and collecting samples. The survey of swine practitioners found that the median number of ropes hung per barn was two, with 68% using one rope per two pens (Swine Practitioner Practices on Oral Fluid Sampling in U.S. Swine Farms). The design should also support rapid response to disease outbreaks, including the ability to isolate affected animals and restrict movement.

What should be included in a disease response plan?

A disease response plan should include procedures for detecting disease, isolating affected animals, restricting movement, and conducting thorough cleaning and disinfection. The case study of ASF elimination in China described a strategy that involved ceasing pig movements immediately upon detection, implementing strict biosecurity protocols, and conducting epidemiological investigations to identify high-risk zones (Elimination of ASFV via Precise Culling in a Large-Scale Breeding Herd in China).

How does facility design affect worker health?

Facility design affects worker health through ventilation, dust control, and biosecurity measures. Swine farmers are exposed to airborne contaminants associated with respiratory ill health. Research on MRSA transmission found that short-term exposure to airborne MRSA poses a substantial risk for nasal carriage (Transmission of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus to Human Volunteers Visiting a Swine Farm). Proper ventilation and personal protective equipment are essential for worker safety.

Related Farming Guides

• Poultry Farm Biosecurity Checklist
• Goat Farm Biosecurity Checklist
• Pig Farm Biosecurity Plan
• Water Buffalo Farm Biosecurity Planning
• Beef Cattle Farm Design and Layout Planning

References and Further Reading

• FAO Animal Production and Health. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
• Animal Health and Welfare. USDA National Agricultural Library.
• Animal and Veterinary Resources. U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
• Animal Health and Welfare. World Organisation for Animal Health.
• Animal Production and Protection. USDA Agricultural Research Service.
• Classical Swine Fever-An Updated Review.. Viruses, 2017.
• Antibiotic-resistant Salmonella in swine wastes and farm surface waters.. Letters in applied microbiology, 2020.
• Reducing skin microbiome exposure impacts through swine farm biosecurity.. GigaScience, 2025.
• Artificial insemination in pigs today.. Theriogenology, 2016.
• Transmission of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus to Human Volunteers Visiting a Swine Farm.. Applied and environmental microbiology, 2017.
• Design and Development of Photonic Biosensors for Swine Viral Diseases Detection.. Sensors (Basel, Switzerland), 2019.
• African swine fever recovery in China.. Veterinary medicine and science, 2020.
• Lung function and farm size predict healthy worker effect in swine farmers.. Chest, 2007.
• Digital Twin-Based Virtual Sensor Data Prediction and Visualization Techniques for Smart Swine Barns.. 2025.
• Influence of group size on performance and tail biting in growing-finishing pigs with intact tails.. 2026.
• Elimination of ASFV via Precise Culling in a Large-Scale Breeding Herd in China: A Field Experience.. 2025.
• Swine Practitioner Practices on Oral Fluid Sampling in U.S. Swine Farms: A Nationwide Survey.. 2025.
• AI-Based Respiratory Monitoring-Guided Evaluation of Rottlerin Therapy for PRRS in Grower-Finisher Pig Farms.. 2026.
• Advances in Audio Classification and Artificial Intelligence for Respiratory Health and Welfare Monitoring in Swine.. 2026.
• Continuity of operations following a known feral boar exposure in a transitional swine facility. Journal of swine health and production, 2013.
• Swine Facility Costs in Iowa. 1997.
• A Qualitative, Descriptive Pathway Analysis to Explore Routes of African Swine Fever Virus Entry into and Spread from Two Pork Harvest Facilities in the United States. Agriculture, 2026.
• A Case Study on Swine Farms for the Planning of Gnotobiotic Pigs' Facility. 2006.
• Planning and Designing an Isolation Facility in Hospitals: Need of the Hour. 2015.
• Methodology for analysis of intensive swine production facility design. 2006.
• Pork Production Survey to Assess Factors of Facility Design and Operation. Sustainability, 2020.
• An interactive approach to optimize production-distribution planning for an integrated feed swinecompany. 2013.
• Digital Transformation in Swine Farms: The Design, Development, and Adoption of SwineTech. Proceedings of the 2024 10th International Conference on Applied System Innovation Icasi 2024, 2024.
• Optimal design of culling compensation policy under the African swine fever - Based on simulations of typical pig farms in China. Journal of Integrative Agriculture, 2023.
• Antibiotic resistant bacteria from swine farms compared to row crop farms. American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers Annual International Meeting 2008 Asabe 2008, 2008.
• Avian influenza A (H5N1) virus antibodies in pigs and residents of swine farms, southern China. Journal of Clinical Virology, 2013.
• Design of sewage treatment engineering on large-scale swine farm. Nongye Gongcheng Xuebao Transactions of the Chinese Society of Agricultural Engineering, 2005.

This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, treatment, public-health guidance, or regulatory reporting.