Coolpigs researchers are investigating all kinds of new methods to avoid heat stress in pigs. This summer, for example, the effect of high-pressure misting will be examined, and the consequences for the climate in the barn, heat stress and growth performance in fattening pigs. According to the researchers, not only the decrease in temperature, but also the increase in relative humidity is important here. In addition to the decrease in temperature, we also evaluate the increase in relative humidity.
Which cooling techniques exist and what should you pay attention to?
The researchers are also looking at other cooling techniques that work on the evaporation of water, also known as ‘adiabatic cooling systems’. Misting causes a drop in temperature, but the disadvantage is that the relative humidity rises quickly. It is therefore important that the misting system is switched off before the humidity becomes too high (75-85%).
Another system is PAD cooling, which works via plastic packages through which water flows. Here you have to be careful not to turn your stable into a refrigerator. PAD cooling can be very effective, but even when you turn it off, the packs remain wet for quite some time, so they can continue to cool unintentionally. The humidity will also continue to rise for a while.
A system that is increasingly being used is passive cooling using heat exchangers. The heat of the air is exchanged through indirect contact with the soil, soil or wash water. With a heat exchanger, the air is not humidified, which is a great advantage.
Finally, cooling can also be done via floor cooling. This is done via a pipe system under the floor, which supplies cold water via a heat pump.
What works best?
Coolpigs wants to clarify which of these systems you should prefer. In addition to collecting technical information, installation costs and consumption, they also want to evaluate the effectiveness of the various cooling systems. To this end, in the summer of 2023 and 2024, climate sensors will be installed at practical companies with the various cooling systems. Pig farmers with such a cooling system can register via the website https://www.varkensloket.be/stalklimaat/hittestress. Participants receive an advanced climate sensor from the Coolpigs team, which gives them insight into the most efficient cooling systems.
2023-07-12 19:30:10
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