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Pigsty – Museum of Country Life in Wallonia in Saint-Hubert (Belgium)
Pigsty in Vampula, Finland
Model of toilet with pigsty (see pig toilet), China, Eastern Han dynasty, 25–220 CE

A sty or pigsty is a small-scale outdoor enclosure for raising domestic pigs as livestock. It is sometimes referred to as a hog pen, hog parlor, pigpen, pig parlor, or pig-cote, although pig pen may refer to pens confining pigs that are kept as pets as well. Pigsties are generally fenced areas of bare dirt and/or mud. "Sty" and "pigsty" are used as derogatory descriptions of dirty, messy areas, the word sty deriving from the Proto-Germanic *stiją meaning filthy hovel.[1] There are three contributing reasons that pigs, generally clean animals, create such a living environment:

  • Pigs are voracious eaters and will eat all the plants in the enclosure until there is nothing left to control erosion.
  • The pig will naturally root and dig for food in the enclosure, further disturbing the soil.
  • Pigs do not regulate temperature by sweating[2] which means that they must be provided with water or mud in which they can control their own body temperature.

A large-scale enclosure for raising pigs is generally called a hog lot. Unlike a sty which would be found on a mixed farm, a hog lot is usually a dedicated facility.

A locked enclosure with confined/restricted movement and freedom to exercise, is known as a boar-stall. According to some experts such forced immobilization was believed to elevate cortisol.[citation needed]

Family farm hog pen

[edit]
Family farm hog pen with Hampshire pigs

The family hog pen was a small-scale system of pig farming found on family farms of the early 1900s, although backyard pig farming does still occur. Family hog pens enclosed just a few hogs to provide year-round meat for the table. Before refrigeration, some family farms depended on pigs as a primary source of meat and shortening (lard) for year-round food. Farms which had tenant families might have several hog pens. This is vastly different from the modern American hog farm which have an average of about 2,000 hogs, with the largest raising hundreds of thousands.

The hog pen

[edit]

Farming pigs outdoors poses problems, but the small scale of family farming made it possible to manage these problems. In particular, hogs suffer 'heat stress' in high temperatures and have no sweat glands to naturally cool themselves. To cool themselves, hogs need access to water or a 'wallow', which is an area of mud. Without access to water or mud, pigs must wallow in their own excrement. Normally, pigs avoid their own excrement; pigs do not defecate just anywhere in their pen–they use one corner of it for their 'toilet'. Ideally, a cement wallow which contains water cools the pig much better. Alternatively, shade may be provided for the pigs. Pink pigs are especially prone to sunburn.

Many family farm hog pens were improvised enclosures made of any handy free material. The pen is often kept small to conserve building material and effort.

  • Three pigs sleeping
    Three pigs sleeping
  • A domestic pig sleeping in a sty, with a slop bucket
    A domestic pig sleeping in a sty, with a slop bucket

Slopping the hogs

[edit]
Jan Brueghel the Elder (after) (Flanders, Brussels, 1568–1625), Johan Wierix (Flanders, Antwerp, 1549 – c. 1618)

Historically, these farms fed hogs on grain, fruit and vegetables that are not fit for sale or family use. Overage produce from the farmer’s market and table and restaurant scraps were often diet elements as well. This practice of 'swill feeding' (feeding table scraps) is considered a disease risk today, though this is mainly associated with feeding meat to pigs, which is banned in many countries. Hogs were also fed "slops" made from middlings or corn meal stirred with milk and water.

Historically, hogs were also allowed to forage in gardens and orchards after the harvest was over. Such foraging can cause erosion and runoff, but the small scale of these operations prevented this from occurring.[citation needed]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Sty

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
A sty or pigsty is a small-scale outdoor for raising domestic pigs as . It is sometimes referred to as a hog pen, , pen, or pig parlor. The term originates from *stī, as in stī-fearh ("sty-pig"), likely related to Proto-Germanic *stiją meaning an enclosed place or hall. Since the 16th century, "pigsty" has been used figuratively to describe a dirty or messy place.

Overview

Definition

A sty, also spelled , is an acute bacterial infection of the glands at the base of the eyelashes, typically caused by , resulting in a localized, tender inflammatory on the margin. It commonly presents as a red, painful lump resembling a , affecting the meibomian, Zeiss, or Moll glands, and can be external (on the skin surface) or internal (on the conjunctival side). Sties are usually self-limiting, resolving within 1–2 weeks with conservative management, but may require medical intervention if persistent. They occur most frequently in adults but can affect any age, often unilaterally, and are associated with poor or predisposing ocular conditions. In , a sty is distinguished from a , which is a chronic, noninfectious from blocked glands, though the two can coexist or be confused clinically. Unlike broader eyelid inflammations like , a sty is focal and acute.

Etymology and Terminology

The term "sty" (or "stye") for the eyelid condition derives from Middle English styanye (15th century), a misdivision of stian eye ("rising on the eye"), from Old English stīgend meaning "rising" or "swelling," referring to the inflamed lump. This is a back-formation, with the word first recorded independently in the 17th century. The root traces to Proto-Germanic stīganą "to rise, climb," from PIE *steigh- "to stride, step," unrelated etymologically to the homonymous "sty" meaning a pig enclosure (from Old English stī "pen"). Note that "sty" is a homonym; in agriculture, it refers to a pigpen (see separate article on pigsty), but in modern English, especially American, "stye" spelling predominates for the medical sense to avoid confusion. Synonyms include "hordeolum" (the clinical term, from Greek hordeolum "barley," due to resemblance) and "eyesty." Regional variations may use "stian" in older texts. The figurative use of "sty" for a dirty place stems from the pig enclosure sense, not the medical one, emerging in the 19th century.

Historical Development

Ancient and Early Uses

In ancient China during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE), terracotta models excavated from tombs provide key evidence of early pig sties integrated with human waste management systems. These funerary models depict latrines constructed above pigsties, connected by pipes leading to a central cesspool, allowing pigs to consume human feces while facilitating the collection of manure for agricultural fertilization. Such designs, resembling those from tombs in Huixian and Henan province, highlight an efficient household system for recycling waste into fertilizer, dated approximately to 100 BCE–100 CE. In and early , particularly in Late (ca. 1000–800 BCE), archaeological evidence from settlement sites suggests pigs were likely kept near homesteads for scavenging and local husbandry, as indicated by high percentages of bones in domestic contexts. Sites such as Bridge in yield high percentages of bones in domestic contexts, reflecting localized pig husbandry integrated with early farming communities. During the medieval period in , similar simple fenced enclosures persisted near homesteads, as documented in Scottish burgh laws requiring pigs to be confined in sties unless supervised by a herder. remains from rural sites like (15.7% of assemblage) and Ladyhill further attest to this practice of keeping scavenging pigs in proximity to human dwellings. Across these early cultures, pig sties played a central role in subsistence farming by providing meat, , and seamless household integration. In ancient Korean analogs on Cheju , historical pigsty-privy systems combined elevated human latrines with underlying pens, where pigs processed into for crop fertilization while supplying occasional for celebrations. These setups, documented from the early but rooted in longstanding traditions, mirrored broader East Asian practices of leveraging pigs for nutrient recycling and .

Evolution in Modern Agriculture

In the 18th and 19th centuries, pig-keeping in Britain and Europe shifted toward dedicated backyard sties as part of emerging agricultural self-sufficiency practices, particularly in Victorian villages. This adaptation allowed cottage dwellers to raise pigs close to their homes, often in simple structures built adjacent to the back door, using local materials like brick or stone for durability and ease of access. In Sulgrave, England, for instance, nearly every cottage featured a garden pigsty where families kept one pig annually, fed primarily on kitchen scraps and garden waste to supplement limited incomes and provide preserved meat through salting during winter slaughters. Such sties supported household economies by yielding not only dietary protein but also income from selling piglets, reflecting broader trends in rural Europe where pigs integrated into small-scale, diversified farming amid industrialization's early pressures. During the , hog pens became a standard feature on U.S. family farms, evolving from rudimentary outdoor enclosures to more structured that accommodated small-scale operations. These pens, often constructed with wooden frames and , housed feeder pigs raised to market weight using manual labor and local feed sources like corn. Post-World War II , including tractors for handling and grinders for feed mixing, reduced reliance on extensive outdoor systems and labor-intensive cleaning, enabling farms to manage 40- to 100-head operations more efficiently. This period marked hog production as a key diversifier for Midwest and Mid-Atlantic family farms, where pens were typically located near barns to facilitate feeding with dairy byproducts or grains. By the 1970s, traditional sties and hog pens declined sharply in favor of intensive farming systems, driven by consolidation and technological shifts toward confinement facilities in factory farms. In the U.S., the number of hog farms dropped from over 640,000 in the 1960s to around 440,000 by the mid-1970s, with production concentrating in larger operations that utilized mechanized ventilation and slatted floors to house thousands of animals indoors. In Pennsylvania, hog operations on farms fell from 40% in 1960 to just 11% by 1982, as traditional hog houses—small, gabled structures with individual pens—evolved into expansive, multi-level buildings designed for high-density rearing and automated feed delivery. This transition reflected national trends toward industrialized swine production, prioritizing efficiency over dispersed, pasture-based models.

Design and Construction

Traditional Designs

Traditional designs for sties in small-scale outdoor rearing focused on practical enclosures that supported natural while ensuring containment and basic protection from the elements. The core layout featured a fenced outdoor area providing at least 2 m² per for growing pigs, combining a raised for bedding, adjacent open space for rooting and exercise, and integrated drainage—often via sloped earth or —to mitigate formation during wet conditions. Key structural elements included low stone or wooden walls paired with robust fencing to prevent escapes, a simple shaded roof (typically gabled or thatched) for shelter against weather extremes, and proximity to the farmyard for straightforward access during feeding and cleaning. A prominent historical example is the circa-1800 circular pigsty from Hendre'r Prosser Farm near Pontypridd, Wales, which employed corbelled local stone construction under a dome-shaped roof with a flat stone cap for enhanced durability in damp climates; its rounded form eliminated corners where pigs might burrow to escape. Such designs commonly incorporated accessible local materials like stone and wood to balance functionality with economic constraints in rural settings. Space requirements vary by pig type, with larger areas recommended for sows; modern welfare guidelines suggest a minimum of 36 m² per pig in outdoor systems.

Materials and Building Techniques

Common materials for constructing pig sties include , particularly treated timber for and roofs to resist rot and moisture damage. Permanent structures often use stone or for walls to provide durability and insulation, while wire or galvanized panels serve as secure barriers to contain pigs without restricting . is commonly employed for floors in more robust builds, with slabs 80-100 mm thick laid on a consolidated base to ensure stability. Building techniques emphasize functionality for health and ease of maintenance, such as elevating floors on sloped sites to promote ventilation and allow waste runoff into collection areas. Floors are typically sloped at 2-3% toward drainage channels, with simple assembly using nails or screws for wooden frames and gabled roofs designed to shed rain effectively. Structures maintain a of 1-2 m to accommodate pig movement comfortably, incorporating open sides or vents for natural airflow. For cost-effective builds on family farms, DIY methods utilize recycled pallets for elevated flooring covered with , enabling waste to fall through while keeping pigs dry and reducing material costs. These approaches, often in or simple designs, prioritize local availability and basic tools for quick assembly.

Management Practices

Feeding and Nutrition

In traditional pig sties, particularly on family farms, the slopping method has long been employed to feed pigs, involving the provision of kitchen scraps, vegetable waste, and supplemental grain mixes placed in troughs to encourage feeding behavior that mimics natural foraging. However, feeding uncooked kitchen scraps is prohibited or heavily regulated in many countries, including the EU and US, to prevent disease transmission such as African swine fever; only approved, treated feeds should be used. This approach recycles household and farm waste efficiently, with historical roots in using cooked food scraps (known as swill) to transform human discards into valuable protein sources for livestock, a practice prevalent in the early 20th century before the widespread availability of commercial feeds. Pigs in sties require a balanced diet to support growth, primarily composed of carbohydrates for —typically from corn at 70-80% of the ration—and protein from at approximately 15-20%, to meet needs. For growing pigs, daily feed intake averages 2-3 kg, enabling them to achieve market weight of about 110-135 kg in roughly 6 months when combined with appropriate management. Water is essential for pig health in sties, with constant access provided through buckets in traditional setups or automatic waterers in more modern small-scale operations to prevent dehydration, as pigs may consume up to five times their dry feed weight in water daily. Hygiene is critical in these systems, requiring regular cleaning of water sources to minimize bacterial contamination and disease risk, such as through disinfection with dilute bleach solutions.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Maintaining in a sty is essential to prevent transmission, reduce emissions from , and extend the structure's usability. Routine cleaning involves removing materials that can harbor pathogens and contribute to poor air quality, while structural upkeep ensures secure containment of the animals. These practices are particularly important in traditional outdoor or semi-enclosed sties where natural elements like can exacerbate mud and pest issues. Daily tasks focus on to minimize buildup, which occurs when and mix and volatilize in warm, moist conditions. Farmers typically remove accumulated and wet each day by scraping floors or using manual tools, then replace it with absorbent materials such as or to soak up moisture and odors. This frequent removal, combined with proper like chopped layers of 8-12 inches thick, can significantly mitigate buildup and reduce odors by up to 50-80%. Adequate ventilation, achieved by ensuring open airflow in the sty design, further aids in dispersing gases. As part of routine , feeding troughs are wiped down daily to prevent feed spoilage and . Weekly deep cleaning addresses more thorough to eliminate residual contaminants. Walls and floors are scraped to remove adhered , followed by disinfection using natural solutions like lime wash ( mixed with water) or diluted (4-5% acetic acid), which effectively kill and viruses without harsh chemicals. Fences surrounding the sty are inspected and repaired weekly—tightening wires, replacing broken posts, or mending gaps—to prevent pig escapes and predator entry, ensuring the enclosure remains secure. These steps lower loads between animal groups and maintain structural integrity. Seasonal maintenance adapts to environmental challenges, particularly in wetter periods when can compromise footing and . During rainy seasons, is added to low-lying areas of the sty floor—typically 6-12 inches of ¾-inch minus crushed packed down—to improve drainage and control mud formation, often in combination with site sloping at 4-6% to divert runoff. Pest control targets flies and through non-chemical methods like (removing promptly to eliminate breeding sites) and physical traps such as glue boards, which capture pests without relying on pesticides. In drier seasons, emphasis shifts to dust control via additional refreshment. These measures promote long-term sty longevity and animal health.

Animal Welfare and Modern Alternatives

Welfare Concerns in Sties

In traditional sties, inadequate space allocation exacerbates among , as intensifies competition for resources and resting areas, leading to increased fighting and stress-related s. standards under Council Directive 2008/120/EC specify minimum unobstructed floor areas for growing in groups, such as 0.65 m² for a 110 kg , but welfare experts recommend space allowances exceeding EU legal minimums; for example, the (EFSA) advises at least 0.77 m² of solid-floored area for lying for a 110 kg under thermoneutral conditions, with total space higher to support natural s and reduce stress. below these thresholds is a primary cause of tail-biting, a harmful where aggressively bite each other's tails due to frustration and limited space; this is particularly prevalent in intensive setups without sufficient room for movement. Environmental stressors in sties further compromise welfare, with muddy or poorly drained conditions promoting , a bacterial (often involving ) that causes lameness, swelling, and pain in the interdigital spaces due to prolonged exposure to wet, contaminated surfaces. Additionally, the barren nature of many traditional sties lacks , leading to and stereotypic behaviors like bar-biting or excessive nosing, as pigs are highly motivated to perform exploratory rooting—a natural suppressed in confined, substrate-poor environments. Providing rooting substrates, such as straw or , has been shown to reduce these stress indicators by allowing pigs to express innate behaviors and lowering aggression levels. Health risks are amplified by parasite buildup in sties with poor drainage, where fecal contamination accumulates in wet areas, facilitating the survival and transmission of gastrointestinal parasites like roundworms, which cause reduced growth, , and liver damage through ingestion of contaminated or feed. In small-scale traditional setups, such conditions heighten rates due to pigs' coprophagic tendencies and limited , underscoring the need for regular alongside vaccination programs for associated diseases and measures like and protocols to prevent parasite ingress and spread. These concerns have prompted shifts toward systems that enhance overall welfare.

Contemporary Farming Systems

Contemporary farming systems for pigs have evolved since the early 2000s to address concerns and enhance production efficiency, shifting from traditional sties toward more controlled and innovative alternatives. Indoor barns represent a dominant post-2000 approach in intensive production, particularly in U.S. factory farms, where climate-controlled environments with slatted floors enable efficient and year-round operations. These facilities, which expanded significantly since the , house pigs in ventilated buildings that regulate and to protect against extremes, allowing consistent growth and reducing seasonal disruptions. Slatted floors permit manure to drop into underlying pits or channels, facilitating collection and flushing into lagoons for treatment, which minimizes manual labor while supporting high-density stocking. This system has enabled the U.S. industry to achieve scalable, affordable production, with operations like those in processing millions of hogs annually. Free-range and organic systems emphasize outdoor access in larger paddocks, often incorporating rotational practices to promote natural behaviors and prevent . In these setups, pigs roam in expansive areas with access to for rooting and , compliant with standards like those from the Assured scheme, which mandate no farrowing crates, straw bedding, and sufficient space for movement and . Rotational paddock designs divide land into sections—typically nine, with one central "sacrifice" area for permanent access and others rotated weekly—to allow vegetation recovery, reduce , and limit nutrient buildup from waste. Stocking densities are kept low, such as 6 sows per acre, ensuring over 70% ground cover is maintained and supporting requirements for continuous outdoor access. These methods align with welfare-focused regulations, enabling pigs to express species-typical behaviors while mitigating depletion through periodic rest periods for pastures. Technological integrations in contemporary pig housing, often termed "smart pigsties," incorporate AI and to monitor and optimize resource use, further advancing efficiency and welfare. models, such as those using EfficientNetV2-S for posture , analyze video feeds to identify behaviors like standing, lying, or sitting with 96.64% accuracy, aiding in early detection of issues such as reduced activity from stress or disease. For lameness specifically, pose detection systems trained on sow locomotion videos assign scores based on keypoints, enabling automated identification of mobility impairments in real-time settings. Automated feeding systems complement these by delivering precise rations via centralized units and multiple stations, improving feed efficiency and reducing competition among s, as demonstrated in implementations serving 60-80 sows per station. These technologies integrate with databases for remote monitoring, supporting data-driven decisions that enhance overall in both indoor and outdoor systems. As of 2025, the is revising pig welfare standards under ongoing legislative updates, including plans to phase out slatted floors in pig housing by 2034 (with exceptions), implement new group housing rules, and reduce maximum stocking densities by 2029 to further enhance welfare and environmental .

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