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The three control strategies were based on scientific literature and industry practices: 1) warm strategy (22.2 to 20.0°C); 2) intermediate strategy (21.7 to 17.2°C) and 3) cool strategy (21.1 to 14.4°C). Two 11‐week trials occurred in 12 environmentally controlled chambers, each housing three grower‐finisher pigs from 36 to 120 kg. Each temperature control strategy was replicated eight times over both trials. Pig weight and feed/water disappearance were measured once a week and the room air temperature, relative humidity, ventilation rate and gas emissions were continuously monitored by electronic sensors and gas analysers.
No significant differences in performance or carcass composition were observed. The only significant impact was a 25 % reduction in ammonia emissions with the intermediate strategy compared to the warm strategy. Estimated annual energy consumption for heating with the cold strategy would be reduced by 59% compared to the warm treatment. Animal performance observed for cool and intermediate strategies was very good and not significantly different from the warm strategy. Even if there were no statistical differences between treatments, numerical differences were observed between the treatments and they raise technical questions.
Further tests under commercial conditions should be conducted to ensure repeatability of livestock results.
F. Pouliot, V. Dufour, M. Belzile, J. Feddes, S. Lemay, M. Morin, S. Odbout. Impact of temperature control strategies on animal performance, gas emissions and energy requirements for grower‐finisher pigs. 43e Journées de la Recherche Porcine. 2011.
