This study evaluated the effects of floor cooling and the use of two dietary amino acid (AA) contents on the performance and behaviour of lactating primiparous sows in summer under Brazilian climatic conditions. It was found that the dietary AA content had no effect on the performance and behaviour of the sows and their litters.
The cooling of the floor under the sows increased daily feed intake, and as a consequence, increased lysine intake.
This fact leads to a lower body weight loss and a lower weaning-to-oestrus interval. The floor cooling also
improved the nursing behaviour of the sows, leading to a higher milk production and, consequently, higher weight gains for piglets and litter during the lactation period. The detrimental effect of exposure to high ambient temperature and humidity fluctuations on voluntary feed intake and lactation performance of lactating primiparous sows can be reduced by using the floor cooling system.

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