In the province of Segovia, Agropecuaria El Palenque represents the generational renewal of a livestock-farming family that has decided to take a step forward by opting for a straw-bedded finishing system. The project began when Samuel took over from his father and created the company to continue the family farm, adapting it to new environmental requirements and to animal welfare standards.
From the outset, the choice was clear: a finishing farm with straw bedding. The straw bed provides a more comfortable and natural environment for the animals, helping to regulate temperature, promote rest and allow pigs to express natural behaviours such as rooting and exploring, which reduces stress and improves their welfare.
Aviporc equipment for efficient management
The farm has been built and equipped by Aviporc under a “turnkey” formula, which has made it possible to coordinate civil works, equipment and installation through a single technical contact. The result is a practical, functional finishing unit designed to make the farmer’s daily work easier.
The heart of the facility is Aviporc’s automatic feeding system, which connects the outdoor silos with the feeders inside the building. The silos ensure safe feed storage and more efficient supply management, while automatic conveying reduces time, errors and manual effort, ensuring that each group of pigs receives the right ration at the right time.
Inside, the feeders allow orderly feed intake and reduce feed waste, one of the key factors in production costs. Combined with bowls and well-distributed water points, they ensure that animals have constant access to feed and clean water, which directly impacts their health and the uniformity of the groups.
The equipment is completed with windows, roof ridges and side curtains that promote adequate natural ventilation and lighting, maintaining a more stable and comfortable indoor environment throughout the year. Good air renewal is essential to control humidity and gases, contributing both to animal welfare and to the health of the staff working in the building.
Animal welfare as the core of the project
One of the most outstanding aspects of Agropecuaria El Palenque is the importance given to animal welfare. Straw bedding, recognised by European regulations as a suitable material to enrich the environment of pigs, helps animals to be calmer and to lie down comfortably.
Samuel is clear about it: “although these facilities are somewhat more labour-intensive than conventional slurry-based systems, the herd fully meets animal welfare requirements, enjoys more freedom and is much happier than in other systems”.
Several studies indicate that the use of straw and manipulable materials reduces abnormal behaviours, such as tail biting, and improves the overall health of the animals, which translates into better production results and meat quality.
Looking to the future of pig finishing
With the new farm up and running, Agropecuaria El Palenque faces the future with the aim of consolidating its straw-bedded finishing model and continuing to grow in a responsible way. The combination of a turnkey design, reliable and easy-to-use equipment, and a clear focus on animal welfare allows the farm to adapt to current regulatory requirements and to the demands of consumers who are increasingly concerned about the origin and management of animals.
For Aviporc, this project in the province of Segovia is an example of how to support the farmer throughout the entire process: from the initial idea and design to the construction, equipment and commissioning of the farm. Agropecuaria El Palenque shows that it is possible to combine family tradition, technology and respect for animal welfare in a modern, efficient finishing unit that is ready for the future of the pig sector.
