Methodology for analysis of intensive swine production facility design

Abstract

This work was aimed on using Systematic Layout Planning (SLP) methodology to assist in planning of intensive swine production facilities. First, data were collected by local systematic observation. These data were used to make a diagnostic assessment of major existing problems in a swine production system by studying the relationship between production fluxes (of animals, people, feed, equipment and wastes) and the existing layout. Data acquisition, based on the production fluxes, occurred between August and October 2004 in three swine farms of Vale do Piranga region, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, because this region has the state's second largest concentration of swine. After the study of these fluxes, it was possible to verify, by means of SLP, the proximity relations between the buildings. This SLP may be used as a guideline in the planning of new facilities and for diagnostics of problems due to layout in existing facilities.