Performance and Carcass Quality of Growing-Finishing Pigs Submitted to Reduced Nocturnal Temperature
In the summer, higher temperature in the barn reduces feed intake and therefore reduces pig growth rate. To modify eating behaviour and stimulate the average daily feed intake, a reduced temperature setpoint during the summer was proposed. A reduced nocturnal temperature strategy was implemented with a setpoint lowered by 6°C. A net return of $0.80/pig sold for pigs raised in Saskatchewan over the summer was provided using this technique. Large temperature daily fluctuations do not negatively affect healthy growing-finishing pigs when achieved through the day-night outside temperature fluctuation. Temperature setpoints for the summer should not be increased for growing-finishing pigs to reduce daily temperature fluctuations.
Performance and Carcass Quality of Growing-Finishing Pigs Submitted to Reduced Nocturnal Temperature (full article)
