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Hoops are
attracting increasing attention for their low-capital cost, competitive
returns, and flexibility. Recent innovations have expanded hoop
production beyond the initial focus on swine finishing. Alternatives
include providing shelter to sows and piglets, dairy and beef cattle,
and other livestock systems.
September 14,
2004 was geared for the producers who are using, or are
interested in learning more about, Hoop Barns and Bedded
Systems.
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This
scientific symposium was held in conjunction with a
producer-oriented conference, "Hoop Barns and Bedded
Systems For Livestock Systems," to be held in Ames on
September 14, 2004.
Over the
past decade a variety of innovative swine housing
systems have been developed as alternatives to
conventional confinements. Many of these systems
are a direct response to pressures related to facility
investment, the environment, animal welfare, and other
concerns of farmers, consumers and the public about the
way livestock are raised.
This
symposium was an opportunity for scientists and engineers
working with these systems to share their latest
results, and discuss the research needed to ensure these
systems achieve their intended goals. Researchers
will be attending from Australia, Canada, The
Netherlands, Ukraine, the United Kingdom and across the
United States.
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