Increasing demand for farrowing crates resistant to rust and corrosion and the high cost of stainless steel -- has prompted at least two firms to go to solid steel material instead of steel tubing.

"We've had tremendous interest in this new approach," says a spokesman for Great Lakes Farm Supply, Holland, Mich. The firm uses 1-in. dia. solid steel rods for both the side and end rails. Individual crates (22 by 84 in.) weigh about 365 lbs. and are guaranteed for 15 years.

Also new on the market with farrowing crates made of solid steel material is Modern Hog Concepts, of Iowa Falls, Iowa.

The company uses square (1 by 1 in.) sold steel bars for the top and bottom of crate sides and ends. Round solid steel stock (7/8 in. dia.) is used for the horizontal rails running between the heavier top and bottom rails.

"Our new crates are corrosion proof, yet are in the same ballpark pricewise with conventional crates," says Gene Kirgis, sales representative.

Individual solid steel crates weigh about 500 lbs.