Cooling systems for pigs a hot topic
Posted in: Pork Insight Articles, Production by student on June 12, 2018
Author: Swine Innovation Porc. Canadian Hog Journal Spring 2018.
Summary: When pigs are being transported ventilation with in the trailer occurs through passive ventilation, there is no use of a cooling system. When the vehicle is not moving pigs have no way to cool down, which can have a fatal outcome. Trailers have been equipped with sprinkler systems that are turn on when the vehicle is stationary, however this in turn increases the humidity which can be more detrimental then just the high temperatures. Currently research focuses on combining the sprinkler system with mechanical ventilation. The mechanical ventilation aiding in decreasing the humidity of the trailer. This experiment resulted in nonuniform results as poorly designed compartments did not receive as much air flow as the open compartments.
These researchers are also studying vibration rates within trailers. They are looking at whether rates of vibrations vary between compartments within the trailer.
Cooling Systems for Pigs a Hot Topic