Huddling Behavior and Hematology of Weanling Pigs as Affected by Air Velocity and Temperature

ABSTRACT Weanling pigs were subjected to various air velocities and temperatures in environmental chambers constructed to simulate typical production systems. Eight pigs were grouped in each chamber and were allowed to huddle to reduce the effect of an adverse thermal environment. An air distribution system with an air straightener provided uniform air velocities throughout the chamber. A total of 128 pigs were subjected to various combinations of air velocity and temperature in the chambers for a two-week period (from three to five weeks of age). Air velocity ranged from 0.11 m/s to 0.40 m/s, and air temperature ranged from 23.9 C to 35 C. For the environmental range studied, the floor area occupied by lying pigs decreased with an increase in air velocity and/or a decrease in temperature. The parameters in a Complete Blood Count did not respond to the environmental stress..