Influence of Cooling and Heating Systems on Pen Fouling, Lying Behavior, and Performance of Rearing Piglets

The rearing of piglets is a demanding phase pig production partly because the changing temperature requirements during rearing. Piglets need high temperatures in resting area, especially at beginning, while optimal lower toward end To meet demands and also to optimize pen structure, one floor cooling two heating systems were examined this study. In compartments, four pens with 48 each equipped heated cover above heated/cooled lying area. behavior performance 1152 piglets, addition fouling, recorded over six periods. There was no difference between behavior. However, acceptance area very all periods heating. had significant influence on depending week. Significantly more lay cooled compared control last weeks. fouling not affected by or systems; however, low. tested structure combination system well-functioning way integrating solid