The Weenavan

The Weenavan BUILDINGS New Techniques 7-3-29 "This new concept is catching on fast," says Ronald Olson, product manager of the controlled environment Weenavan, developed in England and being marketed by Triple F Feeds, Des Moines, Iowa. "We have 24 units operating in eight states and, based on about 16,000 pigs which have been moved through them, results are meeting or exceeding expectations." The Weenavan program consists of a special diet which allows you to wean pigs at 14 to 21 days of age and have them gain 3/4 lb. or more per day for the next 28 days, according to Olson." It's the best building of its type in America, providing a warm, dry environment that makes early weaning possible and profitable," says Olson. Based on results to date, owners reportedly are getting close to an extra four pigs per sow per year. One owner averaged 1 lb. of gain on only .68 lbs. of feed on pigs going into the unit at 21 days of age and coming out 28 days later. Weenavans are super insulated and covered with a troweled-on plastic "skin" that's weather and rust proof. Inside cages are stacked three high and provide a separate feeding space for each pig. Models come in six sizes ranging in cost from $15,500 (1 room handling 96 pigs) to $33,500 (two rooms that together handle 120 pigs at a time). Lease programs also available. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Weenavan, Triple F. Feeds, 10104 Douglas Ave., Des Moines, Iowa, 50322 (ph 515 276-5406).

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