Key aspects of climate control in farrowing

Marcel Weiss Hoffmann. Munters Sales Area

The need to control the climate to ensure animal welfare is a challenge at all stages, as it directly impacts comfort and productive performance. In this regard, the farrowing phase is one of the most complex, as the needs of sows and piglets are very different, making shared spaces a challenge. Sows require a lower temperature and tolerate air currents well. Ensuring an adequate environment for them after farrowing increases their feed intake and guarantees higher milk production (both in quantity and quality), resulting in stronger piglets. On the other hand, piglets require higher temperatures and must not be exposed to air currents. Creating an optimal environment for them will benefit their development and growth in later production stages. This complexity makes the selection of climate control equipment and the management of environmental conditions in farrowing units crucial for the success of a pig farm.

The Importance of Farrowing Management

Farrowing management is an essential practice in swine production. The environment within farrowing facilities directly influences the health, comfort, and productivity of both sows and their piglets. Without proper management, stress in sows, low piglet survival rates, and loss of body condition can negatively impact the profitability of the operation.

The need to manage two animal categories demands better control of the environment. Specific control of the environment and control over different equipment’s are necessary for a proper system. In this phase animals are particularly sensitive to their environment, and specific requirements for temperature, humidity, and air quality must be met to ensure they remain healthy and productive throughout this period. Failure to maintain an optimal environment can lead to issues such as decreased feed intake, and reduced milk production for the sows, poor body condition and increased susceptibility to disease for the piglets.

Temperature Regulation

Temperature is a primary concern in farrowing management. Both sows and piglets require specific temperature ranges to avoid thermal stress and to promote healthy development.

• Cold Stress: When the ambient temperature falls below the optimal range. Sows expend more energy to maintain their body temperature. Sows are more resistant, but piglets are sensitive. Cold stress can weaken the immune system, making animals more susceptible to disease.
•  Heat Stress: Conversely, high temperatures can cause heat stress, leading to reduced feed intake and poor body condition in sows. This can compromise lactation and piglet survival. Piglets have a higher temperature requirement, but still can feel too much heat. In extreme heat, cooling systems, such as fans and misting systems, are essential to keep the environment within the comfort zone.

For clime control in the farrowing units the possibility to use specific equipment for each animal category is a benefit that the technology allows us. It should be use it 

Ventilation

Ventilation systems are designed to remove excess moisture, heat, and harmful gases such as ammonia and CO₂ while ensuring a continuous supply of fresh air. For farrowing units, we need to be more careful with its installation, since it ventilation needs to respect the limits for the piglets wellbeing. Effective ventilation requires careful planning, with strategic placement of air inlets and exhaust fans to ensure proper distribution. Projects have many ways to reach adequate ventilation, depending on external factors. Hotter areas may use systems with cold air and increased air speed focused on the sow. Proper ventilation should prevent drafts on piglets and maintain a comfortable environment for the animals, keeping them safe in both cold and hot conditions.

Heating

The heating equipment is important for most categories, in the farrowing installation additional attention needs to be given to the heating system for the piglets. Many options are available in the market, is critical that the heating source allow an even distribution of the heat, so all piglets are on the proper temperature. Strategies such as the use of heated plates offer very good results.

Economic Advantages

Investing in clime control systems is not just about animal welfare; it also generates significant economic impact. Effective clime control in farrowing can result in substantial cost savings, increased productivity, and a more profitable operation.

• Enhanced Performance: Proper management leads to higher piglet survival rates, better sow body condition, and improved milk production, resulting in higher weight gain in piglets and an increased conception rate in sows for the next cycle.
• Improved Feed Efficiency: A controlled environment supports better feed efficiency, as sows and piglets demand less energy for thermoregulation.
• Reduced Veterinary Costs: A well-controlled environment reduces the incidence of respiratory and other health issues related to poor air quality or temperature extremes, lowering veterinary costs and medication expenses.
• Energy Savings: While the initial cost of installing maternity management systems may be high, modern systems are energy-efficient and use sensors and automated controls to optimize heating, cooling, and ventilation, leading to substantial energy savings over time.

Return on Investment (ROI)

Investment in clime control systems represents an upfront cost that is often offset by long-term economic benefits. The increased productivity, improved feed efficiency, reduced veterinary costs, and energy savings contribute to a positive ROI. Improved reproductive performance and piglet weight, along with reduced operating costs, enhanced profitability, making the investment valuable for any swine production operation.

Planning and Equipment Selection

Efficient projects require careful planning and the selection of appropriate equipment to meet the specific needs of each farm. Factors such as facility design, construction materials, local climate, and management practices significantly impact system efficiency.

Partnering with qualified professionals to design and install these systems is essential to achieving optimal results, both for animal welfare and investment profitability. Ultimately, climate control in farrowing units is a challenge. Successful outcomes in this phase will lead to positive results throughout the entire production system. Ensuring the health, welfare, and productivity of both sows and piglets requires careful planning, investment, and management of climate control systems. The economic benefits make it a worthwhile investment for any pig production farm.