Pig pens should be warm, ventilated, properly lighted, and appropriate for each stage of life. Microclimatic conditions are vital in relation to the health, comfort, and productivity of the animals.
Such conditions are as follows:
- Humidity
- Temperature
- Lighting
- Air pollution
Of these conditions, the most important are humidity and temperature. Depending on the quality of the building, these conditions are subject to vary, and therefore have substantial influence on the animals. Pigs that are subjected to colder temperatures are at risk to breathing problems, increased food rations, and lower birth weights. During the time where pigs gain most of their weight (35-70kg), this body mass increase is diminished by 15-20g per day at a 1°C decrease of required air temperature.
Temperature requirements for pigs:
- Piglets: 24-26°C
- Pigs: 17-24°C
- Fattening pigs: 14-22°C
- Boars: 12-20°C
- Sows (little or no piglets): 12-20°C
- Sows (many piglets): 15-25°C
- Feeding sows: 18-26°C
Due to these temperature requirements, floor heating should be used to adapt to the needs of each type of pig. The system should be installed under the entire pen or where the pigs reside the most.