Sows in groups may have a lower critical temperature that is lower than sows housed in individual stalls as they can use thermoregulatory behaviour. If productivity does not changes, reducing energy costs for ventilation and heating may be an option. Adding fibre to the diet can also reduce aggression when on a restricted feeding regime and increases sow heat production without increasing digestible energy. A typical room is set at 16.5°C and this was compared to the experimental room that allowed the sows to control the temperature. In the winter season, sows could tolerate lower temperatures (as low as 9°C) without any effect on their performance, indicating that savings can be made on energy use.
Reducing Energy Use in Group Sow Housing Systems (full article)
