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- Prevention Works
It’s all a matter of the correct environmental temperature
It should always be the goal to create an ideal thermal environment for both the high performing sow and her offspring.
![Figure 1 Image](/sites/default/files/inline-images/correct-temperature-range.jpg)
How can you recognize heat stress in sows:
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For every 2°C increase in room-temperature above the optimum, respiratory rate of the sow will increase by 30/minute. (Normal respiratory rate is 30/minute)
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Food intake decreases rapidly followed by decrease in milk production
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Sows rapidly lose body conditionwhich leads to subsequent reproductive failure/problems
This is how to diagnose cold stress in piglets:
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Piglets huddle and many lie in a prone position
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Piglets are using their energy reserves to keep body temperature high
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Decreased performance i.e. growth rate
During the first 10 days of life, pigs are very sensitive to cold stress: as a result, some litters develop non-specific diarrhoea where no specific infectious agent can be identified!
Important measures to control environmental temperature
To prevent heat stress in a lactating sow and cold stress in her suckling pigs, it is necessary to have a well-designed and comfortable area for the piglets.
![Figure 2 Image](/sites/default/files/inline-images/piglet-nest.jpg)
For piglets a nest should be warm, dark and free from cold air draughts.
Piglets that are cared for correctly will show their contentment by lying in a comfortable, recumbent position. By observing the lying behaviour of the piglets, the floor temperature and/or heat lamp height can be adjusted for optimal comfort.
![Figure 3 Image](/sites/default/files/inline-images/ventilation-system.jpg)