Innovative 'Clarkson Ring' Provides Piglet-Saving Solution on Norfolk Farm

Norfolk Farmer Develops Life-Saving Gadget as Solution to Piglet Mortality

In a breakthrough for animal welfare, an innovative farm manager from Norfolk has developed a life-saving gadget that aids in increasing piglet survival rates. This remarkable development is featured in the latest series of Clarkson's Farm, a popular TV show on Prime Video.

Nurturing Innovation from Traditional Farming Practices

Rob McGregor, an award-winning farmer who oversees a 1,000-sow outdoor pig herd near Fakenham, is the man behind this significant contribution to animal husbandry. Viewers of Clarkson's Farm will have noticed the challenges of caretaking newborn piglets and the difficulties of preventing sows from unintentionally injuring their young.

Invention of Clarkson Ring

The 'Clarkson Ring', McGregor's innovation, is a steel hoop that fits inside the farrowing hut, giving piglets a safe pathway around the internal parameter. It prevents the sow from positioning herself towards the wall, decreasing the likelihood of piglets being trapped and crushed. This mechanism has demonstrated its ability to reduce piglet mortality and become a huge success.

Contributing to a Reduction in Piglet Mortality

McGregor, a vital part of Techneat’s development team, tested a prototype ring on one of his farms. The trials revealed that the Clarkson Ring could drop piglet mortality rates by 50%. Subsequent results showed that with the help of the ring, some sows could rear their young without any casualties, from birth to weaning at five weeks old.

Impacting Animal Welfare Across the Industry

The Clarkson Ring has since proved to be a beneficial addition to traditional farming methods, with fewer piglets being lost. The industry will closely monitor its effectiveness in enhancing herd productivity. This innovative device sets new benchmarks for animal welfare in farming, highlighting the importance of technological intervention and future-forward thinking in traditional industries.

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