Warming chilled piglets with MW could be feasible in large production units. Piglets remain weak after warming and need regular feeding with as little competition as possible. The cost of this prototype MW piglet warmer was not prohibitive thus this technique could be economically practical. Piglets so heated performed in a manner equal to piglets in a conventional system. It should be possible, with MW creeps, to allow the ambient temperature to fall to a very comfortable level for the sow, without chilling the piglets.
More work is needed to ascertain suitable ambient temperatures and to make improvements in the maze.
Gilts exposed to MW as a heat source from three to five weeks of age were heavier and utilized feed more efficiently than the IR counterparts. Three distinct MW hovers have been developed. This information is provided as a public service, but we cannot guarantee that the information is current or accurate. Readers should verify the information before acting on it.