Low-cost facilities for livestock

PIG HOUSE MADE FROM A USED FREIGHT CONTAINER

Location: Taiwan R.O.C.

Technical description

A used freight container is installed with a fan, watering system, illuminating lamp and air conditioner. The floor
is slatted to help maintain cleanliness of the floor. Windows are installed on the surrounding wall for good
ventilation. (See Fig. 1).

Uses and merits

Conventional weaner pig houses in the temperate climate of Taiwan have the disadvantage of fluctuating
temperataures which can cause diarrhea in the weaners. The closed system can stabilize the inner temperature
of the weaner pig house. This pig house made from a used freight container can thus be a way of recycling
used containers.

The pig house can help prevent heat stress in boars which may affect semen production. It can be adopted
for segregated early weaning, and can increase the survival rate of weaners. The closed and sanitary system
can prevent disease infection between pig houses.

Expert’s comments

It seems that the container pig house is not suitable for growing-finishing pigs. Also, the farmer must keep
the house clean all the time. It should not be used in the tropics because of the high temperatures.

Fig. 1. Pig house made from a used freight container

1
INFRAED HEATING LAMP FOR WEANERS
Location: Taiwan, R.O.C.

Technical description

The far infrared heating lamp is used as a substitute for the traditiional mercury light bulg. The heater also uses
a voltage modulator (See Fig. 2).

Uses and merits

The traditional mercury light bulb can cause environmental pollution when broken light bulbs are discarded.
The heater can modulate itself to keep the temperature at a constant level. The farmer does not need to regulate
the height of the lamp when the temperature goes up or down.

The heating hamp can be operated easily and safely. The far infrared heater is also more energy efficient than
the traditional light bulb.

Reservations on its use

Although the heating lamp is self-regulated, it is critical that the weaner house be well insulated, to prevent
the wind from blowing in and reducing the efficiency of the lamp

Fig. 2. Infrared heating lamp for weaners

2
HIGH EFFICIENCY SCRAPER FOR COW MANURE
Location: Taiwan, R.O.C.

Technical description

The daily amount of feces and urine produced by a mature cow is about 8% of her body weight. Therefore,
in a farm having 100 cows, the annual production of manure will be 2,000 tons per year. If this waste were washed
and drained into the rivers and streams, it would not only need a lot of water, but would also cause a big pollution
problem. However, the composition of cow manure is quite variabale and very useful for the improvement of
soil quality. The device designed here collects manure in a waterless and highly efficient way. (See Fig. 3).

Uses and merits

Overuse of chemical fertilizer will be detrimental to the capacity of the soil. At the same time, the disposal of
fairy wastes directly by washing them into the river will result in serious environmental pollution. To collect
the dairy wastes by using the devices described above will not only save water but will also ensure a clean farm.
The utilization of used tires will reduce the space required for tire disposal. In additioin, the undiluted manure
will be an excellent source of organic fertilizer for athe improvement of soil quality.

The device was designed to be connected to a general loader. With a special rubber made from an old truck
tire cut to shape, manure can be removed from the concrete floor. The scraper pushes and pulls as the loader
moves in a fast and easy way. Also due to the flexibility of athe rubber part, the texture of the floor will not be
damaged during manure collection.

Expert’s comments

This device, when used with well-designed manure storage and a spreading area on the farm, will greatly reduce
the problem of farm waste. If the rain-drain of the pen is constructed with a separate draining system, the stored
manure can be used in a more efficient way. The manure collection will be much more efficient if the runway
in the housing area can be constructed with an appropriate width.

Fig. 3. High efficiency

scraper for cow
manure

3
THATCH ROOF
Location: Burirum Province, Thailand

Technical description

Fresh leaves of cogon grass (Imperata cylindrica) are cut into pieces about 80 cm long, dried in the sun and
then wrapped once around a bamboo stick (1x1x150cm). (Fig. 4). In this way a panel with a comb-like structure
is formed. It is then stitched along the lower ridge of the bamboo stick to secure the cogon grass leaves in place.

Uses and merits

Most traditional animal houses in Thailand have this type of grass roof (Fig. 5). This is because cogon grass
and bamboo can be found readily throughout the country. The grass roof provides protection to the animal
from both the sun and the rain. The life span of the roof is about five years.
The cogon grass panels are used as roofing materials by securing them crosswise to the roof structure,
with the bamboo ridge in the center higher than the grass ridge. This will provide a continuous grass cover
over the entire roof structure.
It is cheaper than other types of roof and will also act as an insulator to protect animals from secondary radiation
that usually occurs in animal houses with corrugated iron roofing.

Reservations on its use

This roof type is a fire hazard and is vulnerable to strong winds.

Fig. 4. Cogon grass panels used as Fig. 5. Most traditional animal

roofing material. houses in Thailand have
this type of grass roof.

4
CATTLE CUSHION MADE OF TIRES
Location: Kangwon Province, Korea

Technical description

Used tires are laid out on the floor of a cattle shed. The insides and outsides of the tires are filled with sand
or rice hull.

Uses and merits

Small-scale cattle farmers cannot afford improved facilities. Used tires on the other hand are abandoned and
troublesome in rural areas. The adoption of this technology is therefore a good way of recycling abandoned
tires recognized as pollutants, while enabling farmers to have improved facilities. The tire cushion is confortable
and serves as hygienic bedding (Fig. 6). It is useful for protecting cattle from joint injury and arthritis.

Expert’s comments

It is a very useful recycling practice. The sand or rice hulls should be changed occasionally to prevent
contamination with cattle excrement.

Fig. 6. Old car tires make a comfortable cushion for cattle

5
BUFFALO YARD
Location: Mahasarakarm Province, Thailand

Technical description

Hardwood timber posts with large holes drilled through are placed upright, and the lower ends buried in the
ground. The corner posts are usually bigger than the others. Straight trunks of suitable length are then inserted
through the holes, thus forming four sides of the yard. One side of the yard is fitted with the middle post and
tree trunks of smaller diameter, and shorter lengths are inserted through the holes, forming a gate (Fig. 7 and
Fig. 8).

Uses and merits

Traditional rice growers in Thailand keep a small herd of draft animals. The animals are usually kept in a yard
at night.

This cattle or buffalo yard is constructed beneath the farmhouse. The farmhouse may not cover part of the
yard. The gate is opened when the shorter rails are removed.

Reservations on its use

The wooden rails must be fastened to the post tightly by driving wooden wedges through the holes in the post.

Expert’s comments

The earthen floor should be sloping on one side of the yard to drain urine. The dung should be removed from
the yard regularly. The timber posts can be replaced by bamboo.

Fig.7. hardwood timber and bamboo can be Fig. 8. Details of

used to make a buffalo yard where buffalo construction
stay overnight.

6
BAMBOO GATE FOR DUCK PEN
Nakorn Phathom Province, Thailand

Technical description

Dried bamboo sticks (C) about 2 x 1 x 80 cm are sandwiched between two pieces of bamboo (B)
measuring 2 x 1 x 150 cm and tied with small wires to form a rail. Two rails (B) are prepared in a
parallel fashion such that they form a panel-like structure. A pin made of a piece of wood (A) is
driven into the ground to act as a stopper when the gate is closed. The gate panel is fastened to
the two hinges (D) at one end, and to one side of the gateway (Fig. 9). This gives a bamboo
gate which is light in weight. It can be lifted with one hand and swung open (Fig. 10). To
close the gate, the stopper A is placed behind it.

Uses and merits

Ducks are usually kept in the pen at night and let out to feed in the morning after they have laid
their eggs.

Reservations on its use

All sharp edges on the bamboo stick must all be removed to prevent injury. Other materials such
as plastic nets, screens or galvanized iron can also be used.

Fig.9. Bamboo used to make a duck Fig. 10. Opening the gate.
pen in Thailand.

7
FENCE FOR FLOCK OF DUCKS
Location: Nakorn Phathom Province, Thailand

Technical description

Dried bamboo sticks (C, about 2 x 1 x 80cm) are nailed to two parallel wooden rails (B), forming a panel-like
structure (Fig. 11).

Uses and merits

Ducks are usually kept in a pen at night and let out to feed in the morning after they have laid their eggs. As
domesticated ducks usually have clipped wings and do not fly, only a low fence is required.

The fence is erected by nailing the panel to the post (A) until all the area intended for the duck pen is covered.
A makeshift pen can be easily constructed with such fencing materials.

Reservations on its use

All sharp edges on the bamboo stick must be removed to prevent injury. Large nails should not be used, as
they will split the bamboo sticks.

Expert’s comments

Inspection of the fence should be made often and any loose bamboo must be either nailed down or replaced.

Fig. 11. A makeshift bamboo pen for ducks.

8
TETHERING OF LEAD ANIMAL TO REDUCE WANDERING BY HERD
Location: Laguna and Leyte, Philippines

Technical description

This is a simple practice to minimize grazing of goats or sheep far from the shed or farm (Fig. 12). Because of
their peculiar feeding behavior, small ruminants, particularly goats, have a tendency to move far away in search
of forages, and may be lost. Usually in a herd or flock there is an identified leader. If the lead animal can be
tethered, then its continuous bleating, which can be heard from a distance, will restrain the herd from going
too far away.

Uses and merits

This simple and low-cost management practice makes flock/herd management easier, minimizing loss of animals
and preventing animals from causing damage to crops and neighboring farms. In addition, while the farmer is
busy with other farm activities, it is easy for him to keep an eye on the animals. Also, by using this simple practice,
animals can be retrieved and guided back to the shed or barn in the afternoon, during inclement weather, or
when the heat of the sun is very intense.

Reservation on its use

The tethered animal should be given additional feed supplements and water. As goats refuse to eat forage which
is wet with urine or stained with manure, tethered animals should be moved several times a day to give access
to clean, fresh forage. Moreover, there should be enough forage in the pasture to support the needs of the
animals. Tethered animals should also be replaced from time to time to sustain the bleating or calling.
Access to forage in the pasture is limited by the length of the rope used. The effectiveness of the
practice does not last for long, because sooner or later the tethered animal will stop bleating and its herd mates
will adjust to its absence.

Expert’s comments

The tethered animals need to be moved two or three times a day to give them access to fresh forage. A proper
tethering technique is required to avoid strangulation.

The damage caused by free grazing animals is the sole responsibility of the shepherd or the farmer.

Fig. 12. Tethering the lead animal helps

prevent the herd from
wandering off.

9
PROTECTING TREE TRUNKS WITH MANURE SLURRY
Location: Bicol and Leyte, Philippines

Technical description

Goats are known to be destructive to plants. Because of their ability to stand on their hind legs, they can reach
dangling foliage and shoots of young plants, and peel off bark from tree trunks. This makes them a nuisance
on the farm. Animal manure from buffalo, cattle, goats, and other livestock can be used to discourage goats
from nibbling the trunks or bark of trees.

This can be done by collecting the manure in a container and mixing it with water to form a slurry. Using a
paintbrush or coconut husk, the slurry is then painted onto trunks of trees at the height approximating the reach
of goats, down to the base of the trunk (Fig. 13). As goats do not eat nor bite forage or anything stained with
manure or urine, this practice will protect the tree from the goats (Fig. 14).

Uses and merits

Painting trunks, particularly of fruit trees, with manure slurry will discourage goats from causing damage to the
trees. Also, the practice is quite economical and safe, since no chemicals that can cause poisoning to the animals
or pollution to the environment are used.

Reservations on its use

The use of manure slurry is unpopular for hygienic reasons. It is already very objectionable to handle manure,
more so to mix a slurry. After some time, the manure paint becomes less offensive and its use as a repellent
is reduced. Moreover, it can only be used during the dry season. After the rainy season, it is recommended
to repaint the trunks, as the slurry will have washed off.

Expert’s comments

Farmers adopting this practice recognize that goats find manure repulsive, and prefer to stay in elevated and
dry places. The odor from manure of cattle or water buffalo does not really stay long, particularly when the
ammonia has dissipated. The hygiene of the practice is an important consideration in adopting this practice.

Fig. 13. Painting trees with manure slurry. Fig. 14. The slurry discourages goats
from nibbling the bark.

10
STICKS AS HARNESS ON GOAT NECKS TO PREVENTENTRY INTO FENCED AREAS
Location: Pangasinan, Philippines

Technical description

Some farmers deter goats from entering fenced areas by affixing a neck harness made of sticks. The harness
is prepared by assembling sticks into a star-shaped frame. Usually, bamboo sticks are used. The neck hole
is made small enough to prevent its removal by the animal once its neck is inside. The sharp ends are removed
from the sticks to prevent any injury. The frame harness serves as an obstacle whenever the animal attempts
to enter fence holes or breaks. Even with closely planted live tree fences, the presence of neck harness will
prevent animals from getting into or out of fenced areas (Fig. 15).

Uses and merits

Usually, identified herd leaders are the ones fitted with the frames since these are the most aggressive animals
in the herd. The frame is so easy to prepare using bamboo that even women and children can do the job. Despite
the presence of a frame on its neck, the animal is still free to move about.

Reservations on its use

The use of a neck harness is practical only in open grazing areas where grass is low and there are few bushes
or shrubs. The practice poses a danger of possible strangulation if the animal wearing the frame becomes
entangled in a fence. If fences are low, the harness may not prevent the animal from jumping over. Fighting
may cause the frame either to break or be dislodged from the animal’s neck.

Expert’s comments

This is a unique and practical technology to use when raising goats in open areas. Only the lead animals are
fitted with the harness to prevent or minimize their entry into fenced areas. Usually herd mates follow the
direction of their identified leader. Inside a shed, the neck harness makes it difficult for the animal to move,
especially in congested places. Attention should be paid to the danger of strangulation.

Fig. 15. Fitting goats with a neck harness can prevent them from
entering fenced areas.

11
INSTRUMENT TO MAKE A HOLE FOR NOSE RING OR ROPE HALTER
Location: Nakorn Phathom Province, Thailand

Technical description

This instrument is made from a piece of hardwood about 25cm long with a diameter of 1.5 – 2cm at its base. One
end is made sharp and pointed, resembling a needle (Fig. 16).

Uses and merits

The instrument is pushed through the septum in the nostril of cattle or buffalo which has been secured to a
sturdy post or wall (Fig. 17). A piece of rope is then inserted through the hole made by the instrument to form
part of the halter. A nose ring can be used instead of the rope.

In applying the instrument, the draft animals should be controlled. The rope halter enables a farmer to control
his animal with ease.

Reservations on its use

The wooden needle must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, if possible, before use.

Expert’s comments

Only gentle force needs to be applied to the halter. An excited animal should be left until it has quietened down.
Any strong force applied to the halter may tear the animal’s nostril.

Fig. 16. Sharp wooden instrument. Fig. 17. It is used to make a hole
in the septum for the nose
ring or rope halter.

12
WOODEN BELL
Location: Burirum Province, Thailand

Technical description

A small block of hardwood is carved into a bell. Metal balls about 1 cm in diameter are hung from wire or string
inside the bell (Fig. 18). A piece of rope is inserted into the top of the bell, which is hung around the neck of
the animal (Fig. 19).

Uses and merits

Locating buffalo or cattle which are grazing in pastures under trees or in bush is a difficult task. The use of a
bell helps solve this management problem, because when the animal moves its head, the bell makes a noise.
This enables the farmer to easily locate his animals.

Reservations on its use

Only one or two animals in a herd should wear such a bell.

Expert’s comments

Some animals can be called back to their yard if they hear a similar bell being rung by their owner. A hardwood
bell will sound better than a softwood one, but worse than a metal bell. Empty tin cans can also be used for
this purpose.

Fig. 18. Wooden bell. Fig. 19. Bell helps farmers to locate
their animals quickly.

13
HEAD CRUSH
Location: Lopburi Province, Thailand

Technical description

A 2.5 m wooden pole is sunk upright, 50 cm deep in the ground so that it fits loosely into a hole
next to a large tree. A piece of strong rope is used to tie the pole to the tree.

Uses and merits

When animals are brought to the crush for vaccination, the rope is loosened and the pole is
swung from the tree. The animal is then brought inside the pole, and the rope is tightened
closely to the tree again, so that the animal is trapped (Fig. 20). A makeshift crush of this kind
will make it possible to perform a minor operation in the field.

Background

Minor operations are usually performed on animals as part of routine management. A simple crush
is needed in some areas, especially in remote parts of a country where there is no road access.

Reservations on its use

Wild and easily excited animals would need to be handled gently, and would perhaps also require
leg restraints.

Expert’s comments

The crush is particularly useful if the animal is docile.

Fig. 20. This crush helps farmers perform

simple operations on the animal.

14
RUBBER OR LEATHER HARNESS
Location: Burirum Province, Thailand

Technical description

This harness is a strip of rubber (A) made from a tire tube, a discarded belt or a piece of leather.
It is about 7cm wide and 35 cm long, and threaded through at both ends with a piece of rope (B)
(Fig. 21).

Uses and merits

In pulling carts, animals apply draft power to the yoke. To prevent abrasion on the animal’s neck
caused by the rope, this leather/rubber harness is suggested (Fig. 22).

The draft animal is placed under a yoke, one end of which is attached to one end of the rope (B).
The rope is threaded through the strip of rubber/leather (A), and then passed under the animal’s
neck and tied to the other end of the yoke. This technology keeps the animal inside the yoke.

Reservations on its use

The rope when placed around the neck should not be too tight. The farmer must make sure that
the rubber hangs under the neck. Nylon sacking or 2-3 strands of rope could replace the materials
suggested.

Fig. 21. Rubber or leather harness. Fig. 22. The harness prevents abrasions to the
animal’s neck while it is working.

15