The impact of temperature on pigs is significant, as their ability to regulate body heat is quite limited. Pigs have very few sweat glands and minimal body hair, making them highly sensitive to both hot and cold weather. As a result, pig housing must be well-insulated and equipped with an efficient ventilation system to maintain optimal conditions. The ideal temperature range should be carefully maintained to ensure the pigs are comfortable and perform at their best. Deviations from this range can lead to stress, reduced feed efficiency, and lower productivity.
When the ambient temperature is between 20°C and 28°C, growing pigs require an additional 209.2 kJ of energy per day for proper growth. However, when the temperature drops below 20°C, for each degree decrease, the energy requirement increases by at least 418.4 kJ per day. This translates to an extra 15 to 33 grams of feed per pig daily. In a large-scale farm, this small increase can add up significantly over time, affecting overall feed costs and profitability.
Temperature is the primary factor influencing heat loss in pigs, but other environmental factors and individual traits also play a role in thermal comfort. Several elements can increase heat loss, such as air movement, wet or dirty floors, poor insulation, and consumption of cool liquids. On the other hand, heat loss can be reduced by providing bedding, increasing pig density, having sufficient subcutaneous fat, using radiant heat, and installing partitions to control airflow.
Monitoring pig behavior across different temperatures is essential to assess their comfort levels. Observing their activity, eating patterns, and stress indicators helps farmers adjust environmental conditions accordingly.
Overcrowding is another critical factor that affects pig performance. High stocking densities can reduce feed intake, weight gain, and feed conversion efficiency. The severity of these effects depends on how crowded the environment is and how well it is managed.
Research has shown that maintaining a lower population density improves production performance and reduces aggressive behaviors like tail biting and fighting. This suggests that space is a vital component of pig welfare and productivity.
Good management practices also play a crucial role in pig farming. In high-density systems, close human-animal interactions can create complex social dynamics that need careful handling. Studies have found that pigs that are handled gently and treated kindly exhibit less fear and better growth rates. Harsh treatment, such as slapping or kicking, can increase stress and negatively impact their behavior and productivity.
In conclusion, managing temperature, stocking density, and human-animal interactions are all essential components of successful pig farming. By understanding and addressing these factors, farmers can improve animal welfare, enhance productivity, and achieve better economic outcomes.
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