IT’S ALL A MATTER OF THE CORRECT ENVIRONMENTAL TEMPERATURE

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It’s all a matter of the correct environmental temperature

It should always be the goal to create an ideal thermal environment for both the high performing sow and her offspring.

Figure 1 Image — Optimal temperature-range for sow and piglets

How can you recognize heat stress in sows:

For every 2°C increase in room-temperature above the optimum, respiratory rate of the sow will increase by 30/minute. (Normal respiratory rate is 30/minute)
Food intake decreases rapidly followed by decrease in milk production
Sows rapidly lose body conditionwhich leads to subsequent reproductive failure/problems

This is how to diagnose cold stress in piglets:

Piglets huddle and many lie in a prone position
Piglets are using their energy reserves to keep body temperature high
Decreased performance i.e. growth rate

During the first 10 days of life, pigs are very sensitive to cold stress: as a result, some litters develop non-specific diarrhoea where no specific infectious agent can be identified!

Important measures to control environmental temperature

To prevent heat stress in a lactating sow and cold stress in her suckling pigs, it is necessary to have a well-designed and comfortable area for the piglets.

Figure 2 Image — Create two different temperature zones in a farrowing pen suitable for both sow and her piglets.

For piglets a nest should be warm, dark and free from cold air draughts.

Piglets that are cared for correctly will show their contentment by lying in a comfortable, recumbent position. By observing the lying behaviour of the piglets, the floor temperature and/or heat lamp height can be adjusted for optimal comfort.

Figure 3 Image — During the summer, a ventilation system may be required where incoming air is cooled so as to reduce the metabolic stress of the sow. Fresh air is usually cooled in sub-terranean ducts and directed towards the head end of the sow.