Swine Feed Efficiency: Influence of Temperature
Posted in: Pork Insight Articles, Production by admin on February 22, 2016
Pig performance, including feed efficiency, is maximized when animals are kept within their thermoneutral zone. When describing the environmental conditions that the animal is raised in, it is important to realize that there are several factors influencing pig comfort. “Effective” environmental temperature is a better measure than “air” temperature, as it takes into account relative humidity, air movement (velocity), flooring type and condition, insulation of the building, evaporative cooling, and huddling of pigs. Pigs of different size and age have different thermoneutral comfort zones, as younger, smaller pigs have higher temperature requirements and have a smaller tolerance for temperature changes.
Source: Tom G. Miller, Iowa State University, IPIC 25f 2012
Full full document IPIC25f SFE Influence of Temperature