Tip: How to improve thermal comfort in the farrowing unit

In the summer, the sow's discomfort at high temperatures is reflected in her behavior. This generally results in decreased appetite, which leads to a reduction in feed intake and a drop in milk production, causing negative effects on piglet performance and maternal performance.

In farrowing rooms, two different microclimates are maintained; one for the piglets, which require temperatures of 30-35°C during the first week of life, and another for the sow, which requires a temperature that should ideally be between 18-20°C. It is very difficult to control and maintain the temperature for each, so the sow is often subjected to temperatures well above the recommended range.

To achieve this balance, a farm called HoCoTec, located in the Colombian tropics has implemented the FRESHNOSE system to improve the thermal comfort of the sows.

How does the FRESHNOSE system work?

Outside the farrowing unit where the sows are located, a rectangular pit is dug with concrete walls, over which an air conditioner is installed to cool the interior, lowering the temperature from around 30°C to 16-17°C. An exhaust fan directs this cold air through a system of PVC pipes. These pipes are buried to protect them from sunlight. The main pipe is 8'', the one under the pens is 3'' and finally, a 1.5'' pipe blows the air toward the sow's nose.

The number of air conditioners needed for the pit(s) will depend on the number of sows and their capacity, taking into account that 20 m³ per sow/hour is needed. Another very important factor, especially in hot climates, is that the pits should be protected from direct sunlight (e.g. by trees), which reduces energy consumption.

Thanks to this system, the area surrounding the sow's head is at a temperature of 22°C, while in other parts of the pen it can be around 33°C. This contributes to improving the sows' thermal sensation, feed intake, and litter performance, among other things.