Romania remains one of the most important markets for poultry and pork meat, with poultry meat consumption estimated at approximately 28 kg/inhabitant/year in 2023, above the European Union average. At the same time, the pork sector still strongly feels the effects of African swine fever (ASF): over 80% of the domestic pork meat demand is covered by imports, which generates pressure on the competitiveness of local farms and on production costs.
In addition to market challenges, large production units are subject to strict European regulations regarding intensive farming (IED/BAT), applicable from thresholds of ≥40,000 poultry places, ≥2,000 fattening pig places or ≥750 sows. These norms target especially emission control, water and sludge management, as well as biosecurity measures.
In this context, three themes dominate the technical discussion and investments in the sector:
- Water quality and economy – solutions for pretreatment, recirculation, and protection against consumption peaks;
- Biosecurity and control of the internal environment – ventilation, lighting, dust and aerosol reduction, wastewater management
- Residual flow management – manure, sludge and process water, with emphasis on traceability and the reduction of operational costs (OPEX).
How we can help pig and poultry farms in Romania
Water represents one of the critical resources for the food industry and, concretely, for poultry and pig farms, and its quality and availability directly influence animal health, productivity and operational costs. Thus, in a context where pressure on resources is increasing, filtration, disinfection and reuse solutions become essential to ensure both business continuity and compliance with biosecurity standards.
Together with our partners, we provide modern solutions that optimize water consumption, reduce losses and guarantee a high level of sanitary safety.
1) Clean, safe, and cheaper water – filtration, disinfection, reuse solutions
- We provide sand filters from STF Filters (granite/silica/anthracite), fully automatic, equipped with bypass for backwashing and remote monitoring system (smartphone/SCADA). The applicability of STF Filters solutions is proven in projects such as installing a modular skid system for a sow farm with over 1,500 heads, sized at 70 m³/h, 3–4 bar, with settling and collection tanks, as well as reuse of washing water when the source is limited. After installation, stable operation throughout the year was achieved, along with more efficient use of water resources.
- For extra safety, we integrate UV disinfection solutions and, optionally, ozone, on the cold-water circuit, intended for drinking lines and critical points.
2) Mechanical pretreatment and wastewater treatment (farms, slaughterhouses, platforms)
- HUBER provides ROTAMAT® RoK4 vertical screens for pumping stations or narrow channels (solid retention, pump protection), screens for stormwater overflows and RoDisc® disc filters in compact installations. The portfolio is completed by flood protection solutions. All these reduce clogging, prevent unplanned downtime and facilitate compliance with IED/BAT requirements.
- In addition to mechanical pretreatment, we can integrate Flottweg decanters/centrifuges, dissolved air flotation (DAF) units, and dewatering equipment, designed to reduce expenses with sludge transport and treatment.
3) Management of pig manure and residues – mechanical separation for lower OPEX costs
- Through mechanical separation, raw manure is transformed into a fertilizing solid fraction and a liquid fraction that can be used for fertigation or in biogas plants. This solution reduces transported volume, diminishes odors, optimizes nutrient balance, and prepares the industry for possible future requirements regarding emissions reporting.
4) Efficient “blackout” ventilation and biosecurity in halls
- Brentwood Light Traps – blackout PVC modules with UV inhibitor, custom-made to size, with a light reduction ratio >1.9–2.0 million:1 and low pressure loss, ideal for poultry houses (light program, behavior), but also for storage spaces (onion, potato). The black finish absorbs light, the cellular/blade geometry eliminates joints, and the material is chemically resistant and withstands repeated washing.
5) Rainwater: collection, treatment, reuse
- For farms with large roof or platform surfaces, we design rainwater recovery systems on skid (pumps + automatic filtration + UV + activated carbon). This treated water can be reused for non-potable consumption, such as washing or supplying toilet tanks, reducing pressure on potable water resources.
Why do all these things matter for pig and poultry farms in Romania?
- Consumption & market: the high demand for poultry remains elevated (≈28 kg/capita) and the deficit in pork meat (imports >70%) creates space for modern, efficient capacities, where water, energy and biosecurity decide margins.
- Compliance & risk: farms above IED thresholds must demonstrate pollution prevention (water, emissions, odors) and good practices (BAT). Integrated solutions reduce the risk of non-compliance.
- OPEX & uptime: correct pretreatment + residue separation + efficient ventilation = less downtime, fewer cloggings, fewer transports, and a stable internal environment (better zootechnical performance).
If you operate poultry or pig farms and need a clear plan for water, biosecurity, ventilation and waste, we propose a free technical audit and a phased implementation plan with measurable KPIs (water consumption, energy, sludge cost, downtime, mortality).
For more details and information, do not hesitate to contact us.
HUBER ROTAMAT® RoK4
Fine screen with automatic cleaning, vertical lifting, dewatering and compaction of retained screenings.
HUBER RoDisc®
Micro screen with rotary mesh for reliable removal of fine suspended solids
STF Filters - Sand filters
Automatic filtration system with sand, gravel and anthracite media.
Brentwood Light Trap
Brentwood’s Light Trap Modules provide the highest light reduction with the lowest pressure drop for blackout ventilation applications.
