Original Scientific Article
Welfare and behavior of piglets at different types of heating in farrowing house
Trajcev Metodija * ,
Nakov Dimitar

Mac Vet Rev 2009; 32 (2): 33 - 44

636.4.083

Received: 15 October 2009

Received in revised form: 15 October 2009

Accepted: 15 October 2009

Available Online First: 15 October 2009

Published on: 15 October 2009

Correspondence: Trajcev Metodija, metot@zf.ukim.edu.mk
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Abstract

In this work analysis was made of some indicators of welfare of piglets and their behavior in farrowing house, depending on heating type. It was used two methods of heating: classical, with infrared lamps and a floor heating panels. Surveys were taken during the winter months in the years 2006-2007, 2007-2008 and 2008-2009. The values of the microclimatic parameters in farrowing house were within the optimal norms for sows. Analysis of the investigating indicators of piglets welfare, as the parameters of the ambient environment and production results in farrowing house showed favorable values when the heating of piglets was with floor heating panel. So, the average value of the maximum air temperature for heating with floor heating panels was 28.00 ± 3.46oC, versus 22.25 ± 1.50oC for heating with the lamps. The temperature of the floor heating panels was 32oC and the heating energy from the panels to the piglets was transmitted directly and more efficiently than with radiation. When the piglets heating were with the lamp, the number of live-born and weaned piglets was 11.91 and 7.85, respectively, or mortality to weaning amounted 35%. The number of live-birborn and weaned piglets when the heating was with floor heating panels was 9.99 and 8.85, respectively, or mortality to weaning in this case amounted 11%. Observations of the piglets behavior showed that they gladly rather use floor heating panel versus infrared lamp.

Keywords: piglets, welfare, behavior


References


Citation Information

Macedonian Veterinary Review. Volume 32, Issue 2, Pages 33-44, ISSN 1409-7621, 2009