Pre-weaning mortality results in a national loss of about 3 million piglets annualy so a system which reared weakly or non-competitive pigs would be of value to the industry. A review of the literature concerned with very early weaning or weaning at birth showed the standards required for feeding, temperature control and hygiene to make a successful system. An apparatus designed and built to provide these standards is being tested at Terrington.

The apparatus houses 10 piglets, each in individual compartments, within a moulded glass-fibre module. A pressurised, part re-circulation fan/heater, system maintains accurate temperature control up to 34°C.