Hoops vs. confinement

The environment effects from the breakdown of bedded hoop barns and confinement buildings.

RequirementBedded hoop barnConfinement
Building spaceAt least 12 square feet per hog8 square feet per hog
Feed intake6.18 pounds of food per day5.9 pounds of food per day
BeddingBedding 200 pounds of corn stalk bedding per pig in lifetimeNo bedding used
Managing manureMixes with bedding in a solid form, composted and used as crop fertilizerCollected in liquid form in manure pits, can be spread on crops as fertilizer
Regulation of environmentNatural ventilation, no heating systemHeating and cooling incorporated
Additional landPasture may be used, crop rotation necessary to remedy land destructionNo