When pigs are confined within an enclosed airspace, the heat and moisture that they produce will accumulate to unacceptable levels unless there is adequate ventilation of the room with fresh outside air. Ventilation rates in winter to remove heat can be very low. If ventilation is not provided, RH will rise and condensation will occur on building surfaces. To avoid moisture accumulation in cold weather, we need to add supplemental heat. The job of the building operator is to manage the building, the heaters and the ventilation system to optimize the animal environment and minimize heating and electricity costs.
The article uses a weanling room example to illustrate the above statements. An easy to read checklist for heating and moisture control is also included in the paper. Issues such as air leaks, insulation, controllers and temperature are discussed.