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)
