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Pig Sorting at WCROC

Hoops at WCROC <br><br>

The WCROC has four hoop structures for research and educational purposes. They are side by side, and face north/south. This view is from the north, facing south. <br> <br>

Two are for finishing pigs, one is for gestating sows, and the other hoop holds bedding and the sorting facility. If you'd like a tour, please call the WCROC at 320-589-1711 and talk to Lee Johnston or Yuzhi Li.
Hoops at WCROC <br><br> ...
Concrete Alleyway in Front of Hoops <br> <br>

There is a large concrete alleyway built in front of the hoops, and running the full distance of the front. It is 24' wide. It was built to ease loading and sorting of pigs, as well as unloading feed.
Concrete Alleyway in Fron...
Pigs on Alley <br> <br>

The two hoops for finishing pigs are on the east, and the hoop for sorting pigs is on the west. The pigs need to be driven to the sorting tub to be weighed and sorted. After a few practice runs, the pigs know where to go and what to do.
Pigs on Alley <br> <br> ...
Herding Pigs with Tarp <br> <br>

The pigs can be driven fairly easily with a plastic tarp. They don't know that it is plastic and flexible. It is lightweight and easy to use.
Herding Pigs with Tarp <b...
Herding Pigs <br> <br>

The pigs are approaching the sorting tub.
Herding Pigs <br> <br> ...
Pigs in the Tub #1 <br> <br>

Pigs are gradually herded into the sorting tub.
Pigs in the Tub #1 <br> <...
Pigs in the Tub #2 <br> <br>

When the tub is about half full, it is closed and the pigs are pushed through the tub toward the scale.
Pigs in the Tub #2 <br> <...
Pigs in the Tub #3 <br> <br>

Pigs do not get excited if they are not crowded tightly in the tub. More drafts of smaller groups is faster than fewer drafts of larger groups.
Pigs in the Tub #3 <br> <...
View of the Tub <br> <br>

The panel gates in back are part of the chute that leads to the scale. Bedding is stored in this hoop.
View of the Tub <br> <br>...
Scale <br> <br>

Pigs are weighed on this free-standing, in-line scale. the scale has guillotine gates on either end. Pigs go through the scale, and are either loaded onto a truck or go back to the finish hoop.
Scale <br> <br> Pigs a...

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