Optimizing temperature requirements of pigs to reduce energy use in swine production
The overarching goal of this research project is to investigate the optimum environmental temperature requirements of sows and grower-finisher pigs to reduce energy costs and greenhouse gases while maintaining their long-term overall productivity and performance. The project consists of four...
Investment cost and payback period of a modified prototype livestock trailer
The overall goal of the work conducted was to assess the performance of an improved prototype livestock trailer with ventilation, heating, misting and air filtration systems in maintaining a welfare-friendly and pathogen-free environment during transport. Road and disease-challenge tests showed...
Alternative energy and heating sources
As part of the brochure ‘Managing energy cost in the barn’, this section talks about alternative power sources, including solar photovoltaic systems, solar walls, geothermal systems, and biomass, and provides an overview of funding opportunities for producers to install some...
Heating
As part of the brochure ‘Managing energy cost in the barn’, this section talks about different types of heaters including forced air heaters, infrared radiant tube heaters, and creep heat, and ways to reduce heating costs. To access this specific...
Know the temperature requirements of your pigs
As part of the brochure ‘Managing energy cost in the barn’, this section talks about the temperature requirements of pigs at different ages and ways to reduce energy costs through reduction of the nighttime temperature. To access this specific section,...
Lights in the barn
As part of the brochure ‘Managing energy cost in the barn’, this section talks about the advantages of switching to LED lights in the barn and mentions other ways to save money on lighting. To access this specific section, go...
Heating and ventilation system monitoring and maintenance checklist
As part of the brochure ‘Managing energy cost in the barn’, this checklist shows recommended actions to monitor and maintain the heating and ventilation systems in summer and winter. To access this specific section, go to ‘Heating and ventilation system...
Cut back on water wastage and manure volume
As part of the brochure ‘Managing energy cost in the barn’, this section talks about ways to reduce water wastage and manure volume and the economic implications of water wastage. To access this specific section, go to ‘Cut back on...
Consider air-to-air heat exchangers
As part of the brochure ‘Managing energy cost in the barn’, this section talks about the advantages and disadvantages of installing air-to-air heat exchangers, also called heat recovery ventilators (HRV), in the barn. To access this specific section, go to...
Evaluation of a Pilot-Scale Electro-nanospray System for Decontaminating Pig Barns
In this study, an electro-nanospray system was developed for pig barn decontamination. This technology generates engineered water nanostructures (EWNS) through electrospraying and ionization of reverse osmosis (RO) Water. The highly charged nano-scale water droplets encapsulate reactive oxygen species (ROS), which...
Take time to do maintenance
As part of the brochure ‘Managing energy cost in the barn’, this section talks about the importance of a well-designed maintenance program, including attic, roof and walls, insulation, feed system, heating system, drinkers and pens, and the ventilation system. To...
Controllers and sensors
As part of the brochure ‘Managing energy cost in the barn’, this section talks about the do’s and don’ts of controllers and sensors and shows the economical implications of improper settings or calibration of the controllers. To access this specific...