Summary

The DŽV Rychnov nad Kněžnou a.s. is a pig and poultry farm in north-east Bohemia. The board of directors saw limited prospects for further substantial investments in pig production.

However, the new CEO of the farm decided to apply for investment support from the RDP to rebuild one of the farrowing rooms as a pilot project. An improved grid floor was built which allowed better cleaning and thus higher hygiene standards for sows and piglets. In addition, they set up an automatic sow feeding system, a vacuum system for removing manure and slurry and improved temperature regulations for both sows and piglets.

Results

The piglet mortality rate dropped and the number of successfully raised piglets increased by two and half per sow, per year, which has a positive impact on the profitability of pig meat production on the farm.

In spite of the lasting depression in the pig meat market, the farm gained important experience that allows pig production to be more efficient thanks to innovation and modern production technologies.

In addition, the investment resulted in the reduction of ammonia emissions.