With OSCA, Big Dutchman is launching a new climate control solution for pig houses with open fronts or open-air runs, which intelligently combines natural and mechanical ventilation. The concept aims to ensure that the pigs benefit from natural ventilation for as long as possible, without compromising animal welfare in challenging weather conditions.
The core of OSCA is the tried-and-tested 310pro climate and production computer. This computer ensures that houses with open fronts or open-air runs are ventilated naturally for as long as possible. If natural ventilation no longer meets animal welfare requirements – for example, during storms, heavy rain or extreme temperatures – OSCA automatically switches all connected climate control components to active ventilation. This includes curtains, fresh air flaps, doors to open-air runs, windows, fans, and recirculation fans, as well as heating and cooling systems.
“With OSCA, we are, for the first time, consistently combining the benefits of natural ventilation with the reliability of mechanical ventilation,” explains Christian Kalkhoff, product manager at Big Dutchman. “The system automatically recognises when natural ventilation reaches its limit and reacts immediately. We thus actively protect the pigs and any optional straw bedding from draughts, moisture and heat stress – without the farmer having to intervene manually.”
This is made possible by the integration of a weather station, which detects challenging outside conditions early on and immediately initiates the necessary adjustments. The intelligent balanced-pressure control system ensures that every pig in the house is always supplied with the correct amount of fresh air, reliably preventing draughts on the one hand and heat stress on the other.
Another advantage for farmers: OSCA only requires a one-off configuration when it is first put into operation. Afterwards, the system switches between natural and active ventilation fully automatically, depending on the weather, without the operator having to intervene regularly.
“For our customers, this means more security and less work in their daily lives, while maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare,” says Kalkhoff. “OSCA gives farmers the assurance that their pigs always experience the conditions they need, even in changeable weather.”
OSCA is suitable for housing form levels 3 and 4, which provide the pigs with fresh air or outdoor access, respectively, according to German welfare standards. OSCA was specifically designed for farms with open-front houses or open-air runs that also meet high animal welfare requirements. With this new system, Big Dutchman once again underlines its commitment to consistently harnessing technological innovations to promote animal welfare, efficiency and practicality.
The core of OSCA is the tried-and-tested 310pro climate and production computer.
With OSCA, Big Dutchman is launching a new climate control solution for pig houses with open fronts or open-air runs, which intelligently combines natural and mechanical ventilation.
22 September 2026 - Big Dutchman