The whole calculation is based on the definition of an animal unit. By definition, one animal unit is equivalent to a live weight of 500 kg. In June 1996, the Ministry of Environment decided to strictly apply the base of 20 kg for the piglets and consider a 30 kg weaner as a finishing pig. This has completely stopped the construction of new 30 kg off-site nurseries. 600 sows are equivalent to 150 animal units.
Distances vary according to the number of sows and total number of animal units.
These distances will be multiplied by 1.5, if the house or village is in the direction of the local revailing wind. There are numerous other clauses to be considered which are included in the regulation. Presently, the Qu bec regulations allow the construction of sow complexes with a maximum of 1,500 sows. Obtain an authorisation certificate from the MEF 2. Obtain an authorisation certificate from the municipality 3.