Patent ID: 8098163

Claim:
An apparatus for use in raising pigs comprising: a farrowing crate having a sow containing area and at least one piglet area into which the piglets can move; and a combination of a birth sensing system and a piglet heating system comprising: a control unit; a temperature sensor for communicating temperature data to the control unit; a mounting assembly for the temperature sensor for mounting the sensor at the farrowing crate at a sensing position in the crate; and a heating device arranged to generate a heated area in the piglet area within which the piglets are kept heated; wherein the control unit detects an increase in temperature in the crate at the sensing position in the crate; the mounting assembly having a first position in which the sensor detects temperature of the piglets present in the farrowing crate at a position in the farrowing crate different from the heated area for detecting the presence of the piglets after birth while avoiding detecting the temperature of the sow; a system for communication to a worker of a signal indicative of commencement of birth of the piglets; wherein the control unit on detection by the sensor of a rise in temperature caused by the presence of the piglets after birth causes communication of the signal to the worker; wherein the control unit on detection by the sensor of a rise in temperature caused by the presence of the piglets after birth actuates the heating device; wherein the mounting assembly has a second position in which the sensor detects temperature of the piglets in the heated area; and wherein the control unit controls heat output from the heating device to maintain the temperature in the piglet area at a predetermined level.