Effect of Air Movement and Ambient Temperature on the Zootechnical Performance and Behavior of Growing-Finishing Pigs

Two experiments, each involving on 192 feeders, were conducted to determine the effect ofair movement and ambient temperature on the pig performance and behavior. Treatments included threeambient temperatures (28, 24 and 20 C) combined with two air velocity (still air or 0.56 m/s at d1increasing up to 1.3 m/s at d43). Relative humidity remained constant at 65-70 %. Fresh air renewal ratesand hygrometry were the same for all treatments. The pigs were fed ad libitum. Climatic parameters datawere recorded. Health status conditions was evaluated from the number of coughing and sneezing, andat slaughterhouse, the lungs were examined for lesions. The animal performance (weight gain, feedconversion) were measured throughout the trial period. Food and water consumptions were alsorecorded. In the second trial, pigs behavior was recorded. At both temperature levels of 28 and 24 C, increasing air velocity improved growth rate and feedconsumption but decreased feed efficiency. At ambient temperature of 20 C, high air velocity increasedfood consumption but both growth rate and feed efficiency were lowered. Pigs housed at 24 C and stillair were less active and the lying area was greater than for those pigs housed at cold environmentaltemperature (20 C) or with high air movement. At ambient temperature of 20 C with high air velocity, 90% of the pigs were huddling together.