Explore the fabrication of pig pen panels, gates, and handling equipment designed for swine operations. Learn about corrosion protection, material selection, and real-world farm installations.
Introduction
Pig farming requires robust equipment that can withstand the aggressive environment of swine operations. Pigs are strong, curious animals that root, chew, and push against pen components. Their waste is highly corrosive, creating one of the most challenging environments for metal equipment. At Fulei Metal, we fabricate pig pen components for swine operations across Europe and Southeast Asia.
Pig Pen Design
Pig pen panels must contain animals ranging from piglets to 300 kg boars. Panel height ranges from 1,000 to 1,500 mm for sows and boars. Vertical bar spacing is typically 100 to 150 mm. Farrowing crates confine sows during farrowing with side rails, front and rear gates, and piglet heat lamp guards. Gestation stalls house individual sows during pregnancy with precisely dimensioned components. Loading and handling equipment includes races, crowd gates, loading chutes, and sorting gates.
Material Selection
Galvanized steel is the standard material with zinc coating providing essential corrosion resistance against manure, urine, and humidity. We use 1.5 to 3.0 mm thick steel tube and sheet. For components exposed to severe corrosion such as feeders and floor components, stainless steel (grade 304) provides superior longevity. Some components use epoxy-coated steel for enhanced chemical resistance.
Corrosion Challenges
Pig manure and urine are highly corrosive due to ammonia content. Metal components face continuous exposure, and even galvanized coatings can be attacked by prolonged exposure to fresh manure. Pig houses require regular cleaning with high-pressure washers and aggressive chemicals, so equipment must withstand these processes. Pig houses maintain 18 to 25 degrees Celsius with high humidity, creating ideal corrosion conditions.
Fabrication Process
Our TRUMPF fiber laser cuts panel components, feeder parts, and hardware. Steel tubes are cut to length and notched for frame assembly. CNC press brake machines form brackets, mounting plates, and reinforcement components. Panel assembly uses MIG welding for steel tube structures, with all welds ground smooth. Welded assemblies are hot-dip galvanized after fabrication, with stainless steel components possibly electropolished.
Case Study: Commercial Pig Farm Equipment
A European commercial pig farm required pen panels, gates, and handling equipment for a new 500-sow farrow-to-finish facility. The project included 800 pen panels, 150 gates, farrowing crate components for 100 crates, and a complete loading system. We fabricated all components from 2.0 mm galvanized steel tube with hot-dip galvanizing after fabrication. The farm manager reported excellent durability and performance over three years of intensive use.
Conclusion
Pig pen fabrication requires understanding of swine behavior, corrosion challenges, and structural engineering. Fulei Metal’s experience in livestock equipment fabrication makes us a trusted partner for swine operation projects.