Trials are underway looking at the
benefits of chilling fallen stock before collection, with cooling containers
now installed and operational on two trial farms. The aim is to help improve
biosecurity and rendered value of the carcase.
The collection and disposal of fallen
stock represents a significant cost to pig units. In addition, on-farm storage,
plus movements of fallen stock in transit between sites, can pose a serious
risk to both biosecurity and the environment. This has taken on greater
importance with African Swine Fever in eastern Europe and PEDv in the USA and
Canada.
The carcase cooling containers are
fitted with a mains-powered refrigeration unit connected with a 16amp plug and
each is fitted with a meter
to monitor the exact consumption. The
electricity meter will help establish the cost of running the container on the
farm. Along with temperature data, it can assess how the weather impacts on
costs.
AHDB Pork environment and building research
coordinator Sue Rabbich said: “Before being able to recommend the system for
the industry to adopt, further research will focus on quantifying the effects
of storage temperature and duration upon the carcase yield, quality, odour
emissions and microbial stability. The aim is to develop a more secure, cost-effective
and sustainable on-farm system.”
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