Effects of various cooling methods and drinking water temperatures on reproductive performance and behavior in heat stressed sows

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of multiple cooling systems and different drinking water temperatures (DWT) on the performance of sows and their hair cortisol levels during heat stress. In this study, the effect of four different cooling systems: air conditioner (AC), cooling pad (CP), snout cooling (SC), and mist spray (MS), and two DWT, namely low water temperature (LWT) and high water temperature (HWT) on 48 multiparous sows (Landrace × Yorkshire; 242.84 ± 2.89 kg) was tested. The experiment is based on the use of eight replicas during a 21-days test. Different behaviors were recorded under different cooling treatments in sows. As a result, behaviors such as drinking, standing, and position change were found to be lower in sows under the AC and CP treatments than in those under the SC and MS treatments. Lying behavior increased under the AC and CP systems as compared with that under the SC and MS, systems. The average daily feed intake (ADFI) in sows and weight at weaning in piglets was higher under the AC, CP, and LWT treatments than under the SC, MS and HWT treatments. Sows subjected to SC and MS treatment showed higher hair cortisol levels, rectal temperature, and respiratory rate during lactation than those under AC and CP treatments. Hair cortisol levels, rectal temperature, and respiratory rate were also higher under the HWT than under the LWT treatment. As per the results of this study, the LWT has no significant effect on any of the behavioral factors. Taken together, the use of AC and CP cooling treatment is highly recommended to improve the behavior and to reduce the stress levels in lactating sows.

Beet pulp as soluble fiber source and dietary energy levels for growing pigs under heat stress

“…According to the findings of our study, an increase in hair cortisol is related to an elevation of room temperature. Fast-growing animals have a substantial reaction to cortisol release under heat stress, due to considerable tissue formation, weight gain, and immunological change [ 21 , 22 ]. Because of the long-term accumulation of cortisol in the hair, earlier studies demonstrated that hair cortisol is a better biomarker of chronic heat stress than blood cortisol [ 23 ].…”

Influence of dietary fiber intake and soluble to insoluble fiber ratio on reproductive performance of sows during late gestation under hot climatic conditions

“…Low ADFI during lactation leads to increased mobilization of body reserves which has been linked to decreased sow's reproductive performance 24 . Increased voluntary feed intake especially in primiparous sows could be significant in maintaining body condition as loss in body condition during lactation may result in reproductive failure 25 . In the present study, lactation feed intake was higher in www.nature.com/scientificreports/ the high dietary fiber diets compared with those fed on lower DF diets.…”

Response to environmental enrichment of weanling pigs on growth, behaviour and welfare after weaning

“…The behavior of animals is considered an essential factor in their growth and welfare, and animals must be exposed to objects that are sufficient to maintain their behavior [27]. It is well known that agonistic behavior during the early post-weaning period, which is common in commercial barren environments, is directly related to poor feed intake and growth in weaning pigs.…”