Heat Loss in Lactating Sows under Different Ventilation Systems and Diets during Summer (original) (raw)
2012, 2012 IX International Livestock Environment Symposium (ILES IX)
The experiment was conducted in a commercial farm and aimed to evaluate the heat loss and thermoregulation parameters from lactating sows under two ventilation system (natural or evaporative cooling) and two diets (natural or adjusted electrolyte balance) in the summer. Variables related to performance and thermal regulation were recorded during the 20-day lactation. Respiratory rate was recorded along with the recording of skin surface temperature and rectal temperature in the afternoon. Calculations were performed considering the heat exchange balance. Data were analyzed using Minitab 15 ® . Evaporative cooling led to a reduction (p<0.05) in respiratory rate, rectal temperature and skin surface temperature of the sows and increased the sow's heat loss. However, the dietary electrolyte balance did not cause significant difference in these variables. It was concluded that the use of evaporative cooling system helped to reduce heat effects on the sows' thermoregulation. In the diet with adequate nutritional levels for hot climates, the adjustment of the electrolyte balance did not show benefits in minimizing the effects of heat stress.
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