It lets him concentrate on breeding and farrowing. His customers take advantage of the health benefits of early weaning while concentrating their efforts on bringing the pigs to market. Trumm says the modified A-frame works best for him because it provides comfort for the sows and pigs. Plus, the doors he installed on the sloping back make it easy for him to work when he's processing pigs. ISU animal scientist Mark Honeyman says pig protection from crushing and ease of access to the sow and litter are just two considerations when choosing a hut style.
Durability is the main drawback for the modified A-frames.
The plywood sheeting needs to be replaced as the huts age. Honeyman says it is important to replace the plywood before rain begins leaking into the hut and reaches the hut's frame. The extremely wet weather of 1993 was particularly hard on the huts. 1993 took a lot of life out of them,'' he says. But the modified A-frame is still his hut of choice.