Cost-conscious farmers should evaluate the airflow in their hog buildings for economical ways to cut the effects of cold stress on pigs, Ricker says. A pork producer should not be misled by the thermostat, even though it may be set at the correct temperature for the season, he says. Ventilation fans or air drafts can lower the effective temperature on pigs and induce cold stress despite the thermostat setting. Pigs can adjust and do quite well from a health and performance standpoint, Ricker says. But there's a clear economic advantage to maintaining an optimum thermal environment for pigs, he says.
Pigs eat more feed under cold stressed conditions.
Fortunately, the latest ventilation systems have automatic controls to adjust airflow relative to air temperatures and properly spaced air inlets to direct air into rooms without creating drafts. Farmers should consider upgrading ventilation equipment if it works improperly. A pig that lies on its side and breathing at a normal rate is comfortable. Initial signs of a chill are when the pig lies with its feet underneath its body. Pigs huddling together is a sure sign they're cold, whether it's from air temperature or flow, floor temperature, wall temperature or a combination of factors.