# Swine Nursery Barn Design: Weanling Pig Needs ## Key Takeaways - **Environmental Control is Paramount:** Optimal nursery performance hinges on precise environmental management, with target temperatures for newly weaned pigs (3-4 weeks old) starting at 84-86°F and decreasing by 2-3°F weekly. Ventilation must provide 20-30 cfm/pig in cold weather and 100-150 cfm/pig in hot weather, with air speed at pig level maintained below 50 fpm for young pigs to prevent drafts. - **Digestive and Immune Vulnerability:** Weanling pigs possess immature digestive systems requiring highly digestible starter diets and developing immune systems with waning maternal antibody protection, creating a critical window of vulnerability. Minimizing stress, ensuring immediate post-weaning feed intake within 24-48 hours, and maintaining strict hygiene are crucial to mitigate performance losses and disease susceptibility. - **Facility Design for Stress Reduction:** Barn layout and pen design are critical for managing social stress and competition. Recommended pen sizes are 3-4 sq ft/pig up to 50 lbs, with group sizes of 20-30 pigs being common. Adequate feeder space (1 hole per 4-5 pigs for dry feeders) and water access (1 nipple drinker per 10-12 pigs) are essential to reduce competition and encourage intake. - **Ventilation and Air Quality Management:** Effective ventilation is vital for removing moisture, heat, and gases like ammonia (target <10-15 ppm) and carbon dioxide (target <3000 ppm), while maintaining relative humidity between 50-70%. Mechanical ventilation with controlled inlets is standard, with minimum ventilation for moisture/gas removal and maximum/tunnel ventilation for heat removal and cooling. - **Biosecurity and All-In/All-Out Protocols:** Strict biosecurity, including all-in, all-out room management, thorough cleaning and disinfection between groups, and dedicated personnel/equipment, is fundamental to disease prevention. This system breaks pathogen transmission cycles, especially critical given the pigs' developing immune status and stress from weaning and mixing. - **Critical Performance Metrics and Monitoring:** Key performance targets include mortality under 2%, average daily gain of 0.7-1.0 lb/day, and feed conversion of 1.4-1.6. Daily monitoring of pig behavior, environmental parameters (temperature, ventilation), feed intake, and water access is essential for early problem detection and intervention. --- Weaning is one of the most stressful events in a pig's life, and the nursery barn is where that stress either turns into a solid foundation for growth or a cascade of health and performance problems. This guide covers the complete process of designing and managing a swine nursery barn, from facility layout and ventilation to pen design, temperature management, and daily monitoring. It is written for pork producers, farm managers, and agricultural professionals who are planning a new nursery, renovating an existing building, or troubleshooting performance issues in their current setup. ## At a Glance - **Target temperature**: 84 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit for pigs entering the nursery at 3 to 4 weeks of age, decreasing by 2 to 3 degrees each week. - **Floor space**: 3 to 4 square feet per pig through 50 pounds, depending on group size and feeder access. - **Ventilation minimum**: 20 to 30 cubic feet per minute per pig in cold weather, 100 to 150 cfm per pig in hot weather for a typical 50 pound pig. - **Air speed at pig level**: Less than 50 feet per minute for young pigs, up to 100 to 150 fpm for heavier pigs in warm weather. - **Group size**: 20 to 30 pigs per pen is common, with a maximum of 40 to 50 depending on barn design. - **Feeder space**: 1 feeder hole per 4 to 5 pigs for dry feeders, or 1 inch of trough space per pig for wet-dry feeders. - **Water access**: At least 1 nipple drinker per 10 to 12 pigs, with a flow rate of 1 to 2 cups per minute. - **Weaning age**: 19 to 24 days is typical for modern systems, with older weaning generally reducing nursery challenges. - **Key performance targets**: Mortality under 2 percent, average daily gain of 0.7 to 1.0 pound per day, and feed conversion of 1.4 to 1.6 during the nursery phase. ## Understanding the Weanling Pig The nursery phase begins at weaning and typically lasts until pigs reach 50 to 60 pounds, which is usually 6 to 8 weeks after weaning. During this period, the pig undergoes dramatic changes in its digestive system, immune function, and social behavior. Understanding these changes is essential before you design a barn around them. ### Digestive Development A piglet at weaning has an immature digestive system that has been receiving highly digestible sow milk. The sudden switch to solid feed requires the gut to produce new enzymes and adapt to different nutrient sources. The intestinal villi, which absorb nutrients, shorten during the first few days after weaning, reducing the pig's ability to digest feed. This is why nursery diets are highly formulated and why feed intake often drops in the first 24 to 48 hours after weaning. The nursery barn must support this transition by keeping feed fresh, water readily available, and stress low. Pigs that do not eat within the first 24 hours after weaning are at much higher risk of poor performance and disease. ### Immune System Status Piglets receive passive immunity from sow colostrum, but this protection fades over time. By 3 to 4 weeks of age, maternal antibody levels are declining while the pig's own immune system is still developing. This creates a window of vulnerability that coincides with the stress of weaning. The nursery barn must minimize pathogen exposure and support the pig's developing immune system through good hygiene, proper temperature, and reduced stress. ### Social and Behavioral Needs Weaning removes the pig from its mother and littermates are often mixed with pigs from other litters. This creates social stress as pigs establish new hierarchies. Fighting is common in the first 24 to 48 hours. The nursery barn design should provide enough space for pigs to avoid each other, hiding areas if possible, and multiple feeding and drinking locations to reduce competition. ## Facility Location and Layout The nursery barn should be located away from other swine facilities to reduce disease transmission, but close enough for practical management. A distance of at least 100 feet from grow-finish barns is a reasonable minimum, with more distance preferred. The nursery should be upwind of other pig buildings when possible, and the site should have good drainage to prevent standing water. ### Orientation and Building Shape Orient the barn so the longest walls face north and south in most climates. This reduces direct summer sun on the sidewalls and helps with natural ventilation if you use it. The building should be rectangular, with the length running east to west. A wider building, 40 to 60 feet, is more efficient for mechanical ventilation because it reduces the amount of exterior wall surface relative to floor area. ### Room Design Most modern nurseries use all-in, all-out room management. This means the entire room is filled with pigs of similar age and emptied completely between groups. This system allows for thorough cleaning and disinfection between groups and prevents the build-up of pathogens that occurs in continuous flow systems. A nursery barn may have multiple rooms, each holding one group of pigs. Rooms should be sized to match the farrowing schedule so that one farrowing room fills one nursery room. For example, if your farrowing room has 20 crates and you wean 10 pigs per litter, a nursery room should hold 200 pigs. Room sizes of 200 to 400 pigs are common and manageable. Each room should have its own entrance, ventilation controls, and ideally its own manure handling system. Separate airspaces between rooms prevent disease spread through shared air. ## Ventilation Systems Ventilation is the single most important environmental factor in nursery barn design. It controls temperature, humidity, and air quality, and it removes gases like ammonia and carbon dioxide that can harm pig health and performance. ### Ventilation Principles The ventilation system must do four things: remove moisture, remove heat, remove gases and odors, and provide fresh air. The system must work in all seasons and weather conditions, from bitter cold winter nights to hot humid summer afternoons. Minimum ventilation removes moisture and gases while preserving heat. It runs continuously in cold weather. Maximum ventilation removes heat in warm weather and provides high air movement to cool pigs through convection. ### Types of Ventilation Systems Mechanical ventilation is the standard for nursery barns in most climates. It uses fans to move air and inlets to control where air enters. Mechanical systems give the most precise control over the pig environment. Tunnel ventilation is a type of mechanical ventilation used in hot weather. Fans at one end of the barn pull air through the building from inlets at the other end, creating high air speeds that cool pigs. Tunnel ventilation works well in nurseries for pigs over 30 pounds, but young pigs are sensitive to drafts and need lower air speeds. Naturally ventilated nurseries, which use ridge openings and side curtains, are less common because they offer less control over the environment. They can work in mild climates but are difficult to manage for young pigs that need consistent temperatures. ### Fan Capacity The ventilation system must move enough air for the heaviest pigs expected in the barn. For a nursery holding pigs up to 60 pounds, plan on a maximum ventilation rate of 100 to 150 cfm per pig in summer. For example, a room with 200 pigs needs 20,000 to 30,000 cfm of maximum ventilation. Minimum ventilation in cold weather should be 2 to 5 cfm per pig, depending on outside temperature and moisture production. This minimum must run continuously to remove moisture and gases, even on the coldest nights. ### Air Inlets Air inlets control where fresh air enters the barn and how it mixes with room air. In cold weather, incoming air must be directed upward to mix with warm air at the ceiling before it falls to pig level. This prevents cold drafts on pigs. The most common inlet types are ceiling inlets, which open downward into the room, and sidewall inlets, which direct air across the ceiling. Inlet opening must be matched to fan operation. When a fan turns on, the inlet opens to let in the right amount of air. When the fan turns off, the inlet closes to prevent cold air from entering. A good rule is to provide 1 square foot of inlet opening for every 500 to 800 cfm of fan capacity. The exact ratio depends on the inlet type and the static pressure in the barn. ### Static Pressure Static pressure is the difference in air pressure between the inside and outside of the barn. It is measured in inches of water column. Proper static pressure ensures that air enters through the inlets at the correct speed and direction. For most nursery barns, a static pressure of 0.05 to 0.10 inches of water column works well with ceiling inlets. Too little pressure causes air to fall quickly and create drafts. Too much pressure reduces fan efficiency and can pull air through cracks and openings. ### Controller Settings A ventilation controller manages fan and inlet operation based on temperature and sometimes humidity. Set the controller to maintain the target temperature for the age of the pigs. As pigs grow and the outside temperature changes, adjust the set points. A typical controller sequence for a nursery room might be: 1. Minimum fan stage, runs continuously 2. Second fan stage, turns on 1 to 2 degrees above target 3. Third fan stage, turns on 2 to 3 degrees above target 4. Tunnel fans, turn on 4 to 6 degrees above target The controller should also manage inlet openings, opening them as more fans come on. Some controllers use a static pressure sensor to adjust inlets automatically. ### Humidity and Air Quality Relative humidity in the nursery should stay between 50 and 70 percent. High humidity increases ammonia levels and promotes disease. Low humidity can increase dust and respiratory irritation. If humidity is consistently above 70 percent, increase minimum ventilation. Ammonia levels should stay below 10 to 15 parts per million. You can smell ammonia at about 5 to 10 ppm, so if you can smell it, pigs are being exposed. Carbon dioxide should stay below 3000 ppm. Monitor these gases with test tubes or electronic sensors, especially in winter when ventilation rates are low. ## Temperature Management Temperature is the most critical environmental factor for weanling pigs. A pig that is cold will eat less, gain slower, and become more susceptible to disease. A pig that is hot will reduce feed intake and may pant and lie in wet areas to cool off. ### Temperature Requirements Weanling pigs need a warm, draft-free environment. Target temperatures for pigs weaned at 3 to 4 weeks of age are: - Week 1: 84 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit - Week 2: 80 to 84 degrees - Week 3: 76 to 80 degrees - Week 4: 72 to 76 degrees - Week 5 and beyond: 68 to 72 degrees These temperatures are measured at pig level, not at human height. A room that feels comfortable to you is likely too cold for young pigs. Use a thermometer at pig level and observe pig behavior to fine-tune the temperature. ### Reading Pig Behavior Pigs tell you if they are comfortable. Observe them several times a day, especially during the first week after weaning. Cold pigs huddle together in groups, especially near heat sources. They may shiver and have rough hair coats. Their skin may appear pale. If you see pigs piled on top of each other, the temperature is too low. Comfortable pigs spread out evenly across the pen. They lie on their sides with legs extended, breathing normally. They are active at feeding times and rest quietly between meals. Hot pigs lie away from each other, often in wet or manure areas. They may pant and breathe rapidly. They reduce feed intake and may splash water from drinkers onto their bodies. ### Supplemental Heat In most climates, nursery rooms need supplemental heat during the first few weeks after weaning, especially at night and in cold weather. Common heat sources include: - Radiant heaters that warm the floor and pigs directly - Forced air furnaces that heat the room air - Heat lamps for small areas or sick pens - In-floor heat in solid floor areas Radiant heat is efficient because it warms pigs without heating the entire room. Pigs can move to and from the heated zone to regulate their own comfort. Forced air heat is simpler but heats the whole room and can dry out the air. Provide a heated zone covering about 50 percent of the pen floor area for the first week. As pigs grow and need less heat, reduce the heated area or lower the heat output. ### Floor Temperature Pigs lose heat through conduction to the floor. A cold floor can chill a pig even when air temperature is adequate. Floors should be warm and dry, especially in the sleeping area. Plastic or expanded metal flooring conducts less heat than concrete and is warmer for pigs. If you use concrete, provide bedding or a heated pad in the sleeping area. In-floor heat works well with concrete floors and keeps the surface warm without drafts. ## Pen Design and Layout The pen is the pig's immediate environment. Good pen design reduces stress, encourages eating and drinking, and makes the barn easier to manage. ### Pen Size and Shape Pen size depends on the number of pigs per pen and the expected weight at the end of the nursery phase. For pigs up to 50 pounds, provide 3 to 4 square feet per pig. For pigs up to 60 pounds, provide 4 to 5 square feet per pig. Pen shape matters. Rectangular pens that are longer than they are wide work better than square pens. A pen that is 4 to 6 feet wide and 8 to 12 feet long gives pigs distinct areas for sleeping, eating, and eliminating. Pigs naturally separate these functions, and a longer pen allows them to do so. ### Group Size Groups of 20 to 30 pigs are common and work well. Smaller groups of 10 to 15 pigs reduce competition and stress but use more feeder and drinker space per pig. Larger groups of 40 to 50 pigs can work if the pen is large enough and there are enough feeder spaces, but they require more careful management. Mixing pigs from different litters increases fighting. If possible, keep littermates together when forming nursery groups. If you must mix, do it at weaning when all pigs are experiencing the same stress, and provide plenty of space and multiple feeding locations to reduce competition. ### Flooring Flooring must be comfortable, safe, and easy to clean. Fully slatted floors are common in nurseries because they keep pigs clean and make manure removal simple. Slat openings should be narrow enough to prevent feet from getting caught. For nursery pigs, slat openings of 3/8 to 1/2 inch work well, depending on the slat material. Plastic-coated expanded metal is a good choice for young pigs. It is warm, comfortable, and provides good traction. As pigs grow, they may need a more durable floor, and many nurseries use a combination of plastic flooring in the sleeping area and concrete slats in the dunging area. Partially slatted floors with a solid sleeping area are another option. The solid area should be in the warmest part of the pen, away from the dunging area. This design requires more management to keep the solid area clean but can provide a more comfortable sleeping surface. ### Dunging Area Pigs naturally choose a dunging area away from their sleeping and eating areas. Design the pen to encourage this behavior. The dunging area should be in the coolest, most drafty part of the pen, often near the alley or the sidewall. The sleeping area should be warm, dry, and draft-free. You can encourage proper dunging by wetting the dunging area slightly, placing a drinker in that area, and keeping the sleeping area clean and dry. During the first few days after weaning, you may need to scrape manure from the sleeping area into the dunging area to teach pigs where to eliminate. ## Feeding Systems Feed intake in the first days after weaning is critical. Pigs that eat early and consistently will outperform those that do not. The feeding system must make feed easily accessible and keep it fresh. ### Feeder Types Dry feeders are the most common in nurseries. They hold feed in a hopper and dispense it into a pan or trough as pigs eat. Dry feeders with multiple holes allow several pigs to eat at once, reducing competition. Wet-dry feeders mix feed and water at the feeder. Pigs eat a moistened ration, which increases intake and reduces feed wastage. Wet-dry feeders are more expensive but can improve performance, especially in the later nursery period. ### Feeder Space Provide enough feeder space so all pigs can eat at once. For dry feeders, provide 1 feeder hole per 4 to 5 pigs. For wet-dry feeders, provide 1 feeder hole per 8 to 10 pigs, or 1 inch of trough space per pig. Feeder adjustment is important. The feeder should dispense feed at a rate that allows pigs to eat without wasting feed. A common problem is feeders set too loose, allowing feed to pile up in the pan where pigs waste it. Check feeders daily and adjust them as pigs grow. ### Starter Diets The nursery diet is typically fed in phases. A common program is: - Phase 1: Fed for 5 to 7 days after weaning, highly digestible, often includes milk products and high-quality protein sources - Phase 2: Fed for 7 to 14 days, slightly less complex but still highly digestible - Phase 3: Fed until the end of the nursery period, a simpler diet that transitions pigs to grower feed Work with a swine nutritionist to develop a feeding program for your operation. Feed budgets and diet complexity should match your weaning age, genetics, and facility capabilities. ### Feeding Management For the first few days after weaning, offer feed in multiple locations. In addition to the feeder, place feed on mats or paper in the pen to encourage pigs to eat. Small amounts of feed offered several times a day can stimulate intake. Keep feed fresh. Feed that sits in the feeder for more than a day can become stale and unpalatable. Check feeders twice daily and remove stale feed if necessary. Water is as important as feed. Pigs must find water quickly after weaning. Provide one nipple drinker per 10 to 12 pigs, and set the height so pigs can reach it easily. Water flow should be 1 to 2 cups per minute. Check drinkers daily for blockages and leaks. ## Manure Management The manure system must remove waste efficiently while maintaining good air quality and pig comfort. ### Manure Removal Systems Most nursery barns use one of three systems: - Pull-plug or flush systems that store manure in pits under the slatted floor and remove it periodically - Deep pits that store manure for months and are emptied between groups - Scrape systems that remove manure from shallow gutters to a storage area Pull-plug and flush systems are common in nurseries because they remove manure frequently, reducing gas production and improving air quality. They use water to move manure, so they increase water usage and produce more liquid manure to store. Deep pits are simpler and require less water, but they produce more gas and can cause air quality problems if not managed well. If you use deep pits, ensure the ventilation system can handle the gas load, especially in warm weather when gas production increases. ### Gas Management Manure decomposition produces ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, and methane. These gases can harm pig health and are dangerous to humans. The ventilation system must remove these gases, and the manure system should be designed to minimize gas production. Keep manure moving through the system. Stagnant manure produces more gas than flowing manure. In pull-plug systems, empty pits frequently, especially in warm weather. In deep pits, consider using pit additives that reduce gas production. Never enter a manure pit without proper safety equipment and procedures. Hydrogen sulfide is toxic and can be fatal at low concentrations. This is a serious safety issue for farm workers. ## Biosecurity and Disease Prevention The nursery is a critical point in the pig's life for disease prevention. Pigs are stressed, their immune systems are developing, and they are vulnerable to many pathogens. A well-designed nursery barn supports disease prevention through biosecurity and good hygiene. ### All-In, All-Out Management All-in, all-out management is the foundation of nursery disease control. The entire room is filled at once, managed as a single group, and emptied completely before cleaning. This breaks the cycle of disease transmission that occurs in continuous flow systems. Between groups, the room must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Remove all manure and organic matter, wash the room with soap and water, and apply a disinfectant that is effective against the pathogens of concern. Allow the room to dry completely before bringing in new pigs. A typical down time between groups is 5 to 7 days, though longer down times provide better disease control. ### Personnel and Equipment People can carry diseases between barns and rooms. Change boots and coveralls when moving between rooms, especially from older pigs to younger pigs. Use footbaths at room entrances and keep them filled with fresh disinfectant. Equipment should be dedicated to the nursery and not shared with other pig facilities. If equipment must be shared, clean and disinfect it before moving it between barns. ### Rodent and Bird Control Rodents and birds can carry diseases and contaminate feed. Design the barn to exclude them. Use rodent-proof construction, keep doors closed, and maintain a rodent control program. Netting over inlets and vents can exclude birds. ### Visitor Policy Limit visitors to the nursery. Anyone entering should shower in and out, or at minimum change boots and coveralls. Keep a visitor log and enforce your biosecurity policy consistently. ## Monitoring and Recordkeeping Good records help you identify problems early and evaluate the success of your management program. Track these key measures for each nursery group: ### Daily Checks Walk the barn at least twice daily. Observe pig behavior, check feeders and drinkers, and look for signs of disease. Carry a notebook or electronic device and record anything unusual. Key daily checks include: - Temperature at pig level in several locations - Ventilation system operation, including fans and inlets - Feeder operation and feed intake - Water flow and drinker function - Pig behavior, including huddling, panting, and activity levels - Signs of disease, including diarrhea, coughing, and lethargy - Mortality and any pigs that need treatment ### Group Records For each nursery group, record: - Weaning date and average weaning age - Number of pigs started - Source of pigs, including sow farm and farrowing room - Feed intake and feed conversion - Weight gain and average daily gain - Mortality and culling rates - Treatments given and medications used - Date and weight at the end of the nursery phase ### Performance Targets Compare your results to these typical targets for the nursery phase: - Mortality: under 2 percent - Average daily gain: 0.7 to 1.0 pound per day - Feed conversion: 1.4 to 1.6 pounds of feed per pound of gain - Variation within the group: low, with few pigs falling behind If your results fall outside these targets, investigate the cause. Look at the environment, feed, water, health, and management practices. ### Identifying Problems Early Early detection of problems saves pigs and money. Train yourself and your staff to recognize the early signs of disease and stress: - Reduced feed intake - Pigs lying in unusual positions or locations - Rough hair coats and pale skin - Coughing, sneezing, or labored breathing - Diarrhea or pasty feces - Pigs that are slow to get up when approached When you see these signs, investigate immediately. Check the environment, feed, and water first. If pigs appear sick, consult your veterinarian. ## Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them ### Overcrowding Too many pigs per pen is a common problem. Overcrowding increases competition, stress, and disease transmission. It reduces growth and increases variation within the group. Follow the space recommendations for your weaning age and target weight. ### Poor Temperature Control Many nurseries run too cold, especially at night and in cold weather. Pigs use energy to stay warm instead of growing. Check temperatures at pig level, not at human height, and adjust the system to match pig needs. ### Drafts on Young Pigs Young pigs are very sensitive to drafts. Air moving at pig level, even at low speeds, can chill pigs and increase disease. Ensure inlets direct air upward in cold weather and that there are no leaks or cracks that create drafts. ### Inadequate Water Water is often overlooked. Pigs that cannot find water or that have low water flow will reduce feed intake and performance. Check drinkers daily and ensure flow rates are adequate. ### Mixing Pigs of Different Ages Mixing pigs from different sources or ages increases disease risk and fighting. Use all-in, all-out management and keep groups as uniform as possible. ### Poor Cleaning Between Groups Inadequate cleaning and disinfection allows pathogens to build up in the room. This increases disease pressure for the next group. Take cleaning seriously and allow adequate down time between groups. ### Ignoring Feed Intake Feed intake is the earliest indicator of problems. If pigs are not eating, something is wrong. Monitor feed disappearance daily and investigate any drop in intake. ## When to Call a Veterinarian You should have a relationship with a swine veterinarian before you need one. Your veterinarian should visit your operation regularly and be familiar with your facilities and management practices. Call your veterinarian immediately if you see: - Sudden increase in mortality, especially more than 1 percent in a few days - Severe diarrhea, especially with dehydration or blood - Respiratory distress, including coughing, labored breathing, or sudden death - Neurological signs, including tremors, incoordination, or lethargy - Any disease that is not responding to your normal treatment protocol - A disease that is spreading rapidly through the group Your veterinarian can help you diagnose problems, develop treatment and prevention protocols, and implement biosecurity measures. They can also help you work with a diagnostic laboratory to identify the specific pathogens causing disease. ## Decision Thresholds for Facility Upgrades Knowing when to upgrade or replace your nursery facilities is important. Consider these decision points: ### When to Renovate Renovate your nursery when: - Ventilation is inadequate, with poor air quality or temperature control - Floors are worn, damaged, or difficult to clean - Pen dividers are damaged or allow pigs to move between pens - The facility cannot be properly cleaned and disinfected between groups - Energy costs are excessive due to poor insulation or inefficient equipment ### When to Replace Replace the nursery when: - The building structure is failing - The layout prevents all-in, all-out management - The facility is too small for your production system - Renovation costs approach 50 percent or more of new construction costs - The facility cannot meet the needs of your current genetics and weaning age ### When to Expand Expand the nursery when: - You are increasing sow numbers - You are weaning more pigs per sow per year - Current facilities are consistently full and forcing you to hold pigs in the farrowing room or move them early - The cost of expansion is justified by the value of the additional pigs you can raise Work with a swine facility engineer or extension specialist when planning major renovations or new construction. They can help you design a facility that meets your needs and avoids costly mistakes. ## Special Considerations for Different Climates ### Cold Climates In cold climates, insulation and minimum ventilation are critical. Use high levels of insulation in the ceiling and walls, and ensure the ventilation system can operate reliably in extreme cold. Supplemental heat is essential for young pigs. Consider a backup heating system and an alarm system to alert you to power or equipment failures. ### Hot Climates In hot climates, maximum ventilation and cooling are the priorities. Tunnel ventilation is often necessary to achieve adequate air speeds. Evaporative cooling systems, such as pads or foggers, can reduce temperatures by 10 to 15 degrees. Provide plenty of water and monitor pigs closely for heat stress. ### Humid Climates Humidity complicates both heating and cooling. In humid climates, ventilation must remove moisture while maintaining temperature. Dehumidification is difficult and expensive, so the focus should be on proper ventilation rates and avoiding conditions that create excess moisture, such as leaking drinkers and poor manure management. ## Energy Efficiency Nursery barns use significant energy for heating, ventilation, and lighting. Energy costs are a major operating expense, and efficiency improvements can save money. ### Insulation Proper insulation is the foundation of energy efficiency. Insulate the ceiling to R-30 to R-40 and walls to R-15 to R-25, depending on your climate. Good insulation reduces heating and cooling costs and helps maintain even temperatures. ### Ventilation Efficiency Use energy-efficient fans and motors. Variable speed fans can match ventilation to need and reduce energy use. Keep fans clean and well-maintained, as dirty fans move less air and use more energy. ### Heating Efficiency Choose heating systems that match your needs. Radiant heaters are efficient because they heat pigs directly. Forced air furnaces should have high efficiency ratings. Use zone heating to heat only the areas where pigs are, rather than the entire room. ### Lighting Use energy-efficient lighting, such as LED fixtures. Provide enough light for pig activity and worker visibility, but avoid unnecessary lighting. Turn off lights when the room is not being worked. ## Worker Safety and Ergonomics The nursery barn should be safe and comfortable for workers. Design for easy access to pens, feeders, and drinkers. Provide good lighting and ventilation in work areas. Use non-slip flooring in walkways and alleys. Consider the physical demands of the work. Moving pigs, cleaning pens, and carrying feed are physically demanding tasks. Design facilities and choose equipment that reduces strain on workers. Manure pits and storage areas are dangerous. Follow all safety procedures for working around manure, including gas monitoring and never entering pits without proper equipment. ## Environmental Considerations Modern swine production must meet environmental regulations and be a good neighbor to the surrounding community. ### Manure Management The nursery manure system must comply with local and state regulations. Know the requirements for your area and design your system to meet them. Consider nutrient management planning and the capacity of your manure storage. ### Odor Control Odor is a common concern for neighbors. The nursery should be located away from residences and public areas. Manure systems that remove waste frequently, such as pull-plug systems, produce less odor than deep pits. Consider odor control measures such as biofilters or manure additives if odor is a concern. ### Water Usage Nursery barns use significant water for drinking and cleaning. Monitor water usage and look for leaks. Use water-saving drinker designs and clean efficiently to reduce water consumption. ## Planning a New Nursery Barn If you are planning a new nursery, follow these steps: ### 1. Define Your Needs Determine the number of pigs you need to house and the weaning age you will use. Consider your farrowing schedule and how many pigs you will wean each week. This determines the number of rooms and the size of each room. ### 2. Work with Professionals Consult with a swine facility engineer, an extension specialist, and your veterinarian. They can help you design a facility that meets your needs and avoids common problems. ### 3. Choose a Design Select a design that matches your climate, management style, and budget. Consider the trade-offs between different ventilation systems, flooring types, and manure systems. Get multiple bids and compare costs. ### 4. Plan for the Future Design the facility with room for expansion and flexibility. Consider how your operation may change in the coming years and build in the ability to adapt. ### 5. Budget Realistically Include all costs in your budget, not just the building cost. Include site preparation, utilities, equipment, and ongoing operating costs. Work with your lender to secure financing. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How much space does a weanling pig need in a nursery pen? Provide 3 to 4 square feet per pig for pigs up to 50 pounds, and 4 to 5 square feet per pig for pigs up to 60 pounds. These numbers assume a fully slatted floor and a group size of 20 to 30 pigs. If you use a partially slatted floor with a solid sleeping area, the solid area counts toward the total space. Overcrowding reduces growth, increases disease, and creates more variation within the group, so do not reduce space below these recommendations to save on building costs. ### What temperature should a nursery barn be for newly weaned pigs? Start at 84 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit for pigs weaned at 3 to 4 weeks of age. Reduce the temperature by 2 to 3 degrees each week as pigs grow and develop. Measure temperature at pig level, not at human height, because the temperature near the floor can be several degrees cooler than at eye level. Watch pig behavior to confirm the temperature is correct. If pigs huddle together, they are cold. If they spread out and lie away from each other, they are comfortable or possibly too warm. ### How do I know if my nursery ventilation is working properly? Check the air quality and pig behavior. Air should feel fresh and not smell strongly of ammonia. Ammonia levels should stay below 10 to 15 ppm, and carbon dioxide below 3000 ppm. Pigs should be active at feeding times and resting comfortably between meals. Look for drafts by holding a thin strip of paper or a smoke source at pig level. If the paper or smoke moves, there is a draft. Check that inlets are opening and closing properly and that fans are operating as the controller commands. ### What is the ideal group size for nursery pigs? Groups of 20 to 30 pigs per pen are common and work well for most operations. This group size allows pigs to establish a social hierarchy without excessive competition. Smaller groups of 10 to 15 pigs reduce stress but require more feeder and drinker space per pig. Larger groups of 40 to 50 pigs can work if the pen is large enough and there is adequate feeder and drinker access, but they require more careful management. Keep littermates together when possible to reduce fighting. ### How long should a nursery room be empty between groups? Allow 5 to 7 days of down time between groups, with 7 days preferred for disease control. The room should be thoroughly cleaned, washed, disinfected, and completely dried before new pigs arrive. Longer down times of 10 to 14 days provide even better disease control and are recommended if you have had disease problems. The down time starts after the last pig leaves the room and ends when the first new pig enters. ### Why are my nursery pigs not eating after weaning? Low feed intake after weaning is common but should improve within 24 to 48 hours. Check that feed is fresh and accessible. Pigs may not find the feeder if it is in a dark or busy area. Offer feed on mats or paper in the first few days to encourage intake. Check water availability, as pigs will not eat if they cannot drink. Ensure the temperature is correct, as pigs that are too cold or too hot will reduce feed intake. If intake does not improve within 48 hours, consult your veterinarian. ### What should I do if I see diarrhea in nursery pigs? Diarrhea in nursery pigs has many causes, including viral and bacterial infections, dietary changes, and environmental stress. Check the environment first, including temperature, drafts, and water quality. Review the feeding program to ensure you are feeding an appropriate diet for the pigs' age. If diarrhea is mild and pigs are bright and eating, monitor closely for 24 hours. If diarrhea is severe, pigs are dehydrated, or mortality increases, call your veterinarian immediately. Collect fecal samples for diagnosis and follow your veterinarian's treatment recommendations. ### How do I reduce mortality in my nursery barn? Mortality under 2 percent is a reasonable target for the nursery phase. To reduce mortality, focus on the basics: provide a warm, draft-free environment with correct temperature for pig age, ensure easy access to fresh feed and clean water, use all-in, all-out management with thorough cleaning between groups, and monitor pigs closely to catch problems early. Work with your veterinarian to develop a health program that addresses the specific disease risks in your operation. Pay special attention to the first week after weaning, when pigs are most vulnerable. ## Related Farming Guides This section will be populated with links to related farming guides, including swine farrowing barn management, grow-finish barn design, and pig health management resources. ## Related Clinical & Scientific Guides * [Animal Welfare Audits: Building a Useful Farm Program](/knowledge/animal-farming/farm-management/animal-welfare-audits-building-a-useful-farm-program) * [Total Mixed Ration (TMR) for Dairy: Mixing and Feeding Management](/knowledge/animal-farming/farm-management/total-mixed-ration-dairy-mixing-feeding) * [Feed Additives for Livestock: Probiotics, Enzymes, and More](/knowledge/animal-farming/farm-management/feed-additives-livestock-probiotics-enzymes) ## References - [USDA Farm Management](https://www.farmers.gov/) - [FAO Farm Management](https://www.fao.org/farmer-field-schools/en/) - [FAO Animal Production and Health](https://www.fao.org/animal-production/en/) - [WOAH (World Organisation for Animal Health)](https://www.woah.org/en/home/) > This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, treatment, public-health guidance, or regulatory reporting.