University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine has expanded its Swine Teaching and Research Facility at New Bolton Center, Kennett Square, PA.
Paid for partly by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the facility first opened in January 2001. It provides alternative housing of pregnant and lactating sows.
The 16,000-sq.-ft. building features state-of-the-art technologies for animal comfort, feeding and nutrient management for 200 sows and their piglets.
An additional 6,000 sq. ft. was added to the existing farrow-to-feeder pig facility. New farrowing rooms feature farrowing pens, and gestating sows now have outside access and the opportunity to choose from several bedding choices.
The facility includes a 1,000-sq.-ft. classroom in the center for animal observation. Solar power will meet 10-12% of the facility's energy requirements.