Welfare and spatial distribution of noise levels in swine nursery

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the welfare and spatial distribution of noise levels in a swine nursery during the first three weeks of animal’s life. The climatic conditions were evaluated through the dry-bulb temperature (Tdb), relative humidity (RH) and black globe temperature and humidity index (BGHI) and allowed us to observe that the heating system influenced the conditions in the environment, and the use of the air conditioning system did not guarantee animal’s comfort conditions. The analysis on the spatial distribution of noise levels was performed using geostatistics and demonstrated the occurrence of spatial variability inside the facilities. The highest frequencies of noise levels were concentrated between 60 and 70 dB, and the highest noise values were observed near the fans. The mean BGHI values were below the thermal comfort range for piglets in all systems tested.

Assessment of spatial variability of environmental conditions in different swine production typologies in tropical conditions

“…These variables and the index allow to evaluate the thermal comfort inside the pig installations and characterize the environment to which the animals are subjected to analyze if these conditions of comfort are favorable or not for their productive performance. The reference values adopted by various authors to determine the comfort or discomfort condition were used such us: Amaral et al (2020), Zanetoni et al (2019), Damasceno et al (2019), de Oliveira Júnior et al (2018), Zonderland et al (2008). Also, reference values for temperature and relative humidity, recommended to prevent the pig from being in a stress condition in its different physiological stages, are established (Tables 3 and 4).…”

“…The reference values adopted by various authors to determine the comfort or discomfort condition were used such us: Amaral et al (2020), Zanetoni et al (2019), Damasceno et al (2019), de Oliveira Júnior et al (2018), Zonderland et al (2008). Also, reference values for temperature and relative humidity, recommended to prevent the pig from being in a stress condition in its different physiological stages, are established (Tables 3 and 4).…”