Low temperatures in combination with high humidity make it difficult to keep the stable climate stable. In the pigs, this manifests itself in increasing respiratory problems, more restlessness and biting. Looking closely at and analyzing the behavior and health of the animals can, according to ABZ Diervoeding, point to possible problems in the barn climate as a source.
A good barn climate is of great importance for the health of the pigs. The current low temperatures and high humidity make it difficult to maintain a good and stable climate in the barn. This is reflected in an increase in respiratory problems and more often agitation and biting. The pig advisors of ABZ Diervoeding state that the pig farmer can get a good impression of the barn climate by taking a good look at the behavior and health of his pigs.
Signals
Some signals that can be traced back to climate problems are coughing, sneezing and shortness of breath. These three signs may indicate Influenza, App, Mycoplasma or Circovirus infection. Blood tests can give an indication of the cause and help determine treatment. Do these complaints return after treatment or does the recovery take longer than expected? Then it is important to inspect the stable climate very critically. After all, a poor barn climate has a direct effect on lung health. For example, pigs are more susceptible to all kinds of diseases in a poor barn climate. It is often thought that such abnormalities are caused by infections such as App or Mycoplasma. However, research shows that in the majority of cases these deviations are mainly caused by climate and management problems.
Restlessness and aggression
Management-technical matters such as feed and drinking water supply and pen occupation are often a source of unrest and aggressive behaviour. But a different barn climate can also be the cause of this. In a different climate, adjustments in the supply of feed and drinking water or the use of medicines do not lead to a solution.
Stable temperature
Modern fattening pigs have a high feed intake. As a result, they produce a lot of heat that must be dissipated through good ventilation. To achieve maximum growth, new (lower) standards have been set for the house temperature. ABZ Diervoeding emphasizes that pigs should not experience this (extra) ventilation as a draught. In practice, this means that the air speed may not be too high and the difference between the incoming air and the house air not too large.
Lying posture
Deviating lying behavior is a signal of a poor barn climate. Pigs lie down in other places to avoid drafts or cold air. For example, they lie on the grates and thereby soil the closed floor area. The result is dirty pigs and a dirty pen. This can also happen with underfloor heating that does not function properly. Such aspects quickly come to light during a climate measurement.
Tips
It is important to ensure sufficient negative pressure in the lofts. This improves air distribution and pigs experience less draught. It is important to keep a close eye on the outer pens of the barn. Here the insulation is often slightly less, so that it is often more humid.
Weaned piglets
In weaned piglets, the need for ventilation increases rapidly as they get older. Incorrect computer settings or deviations in the amount of air ventilated per animal can lead to a higher humidity and infection pressure. A cold air draft is also possible. This often manifests itself in diarrhea or streptococcal infections. The specialists at ABZ Diervoeding underline that the first week after laying up is always a challenge. The piglets then do not grow as fast and do not produce as much heat. To create a dry barn climate in this phase, it is essential to heat. In addition, the ventilation must be set very precisely – and certainly not too high.
Plastic
It is known that the more plastic is used in the compartments, the more difficult it is for the pigs present to lose their heat. Especially in the last weeks on the battery. Piglets then give off a lot of heat, which means that ventilation is harder. This increases the risk of drafts and restless behavior and tail biting. The specialists say that in practice they see more problems with tail biting and ear necrosis in pigs that live on a fully slatted floor in combination with plastic slats. A simple solution is to place a heavy rubber mat in the middle of the pen for the piglets to lie on.
Advice
A pig farmer who receives one or more signals is advised to pay more attention to the barn climate. Look at the air speed, the air distribution, excessive day and night differences in temperature, cold air drop and the amount of ventilated air per animal. Where is the sensor located? Is there wind influence at the air inlet?
