Two reduced nocturnal temperature regimens for early-weaned pigs.

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Agricultural Engineering
• Swine Nutrition

Background:

• Swine nurseries require precise temperature control for newly weaned pigs.
• Energy consumption for heating pig nurseries represents a significant operational cost.
• Optimizing temperature regimens can potentially reduce energy use and improve economic efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of reduced nocturnal temperature regimens on weaned pig performance.
• To assess the effects of these temperature strategies on subsequent growing-finishing performance.
• To quantify nursery energy (propane and electricity) savings associated with reduced nocturnal temperatures.

Main Methods:

• Two experiments utilized 3- to 4-wk-old weaned pigs across multiple trials.
• Nursery treatments included a control temperature (CT) regimen and reduced nocturnal temperature regimens (MRNT-H and MRNT10).
• Dietary lysine levels (1.2% then 1.0% vs. continuous 1.15%) were evaluated within temperature treatments.

Main Results:

• Reduced nocturnal temperatures (MRNT-H) in Exp. 1 negatively affected average daily gain (ADG) and feed-to-gain ratio.
• No significant differences in ADG or feed-to-gain were observed between MRNT10 and CT in Exp. 2.
• Nursery temperature regimens did not impact subsequent growing-finishing performance or show interactions with diet treatments.
• Significant energy savings were achieved, ranging from 68 to 79 MJ per weaned pig.

Conclusions:

• Controlled application of cyclical reduced nocturnal temperatures can lead to substantial energy savings in swine nurseries.
• Specific reduced nocturnal temperature strategies (MRNT10) may offer energy benefits without compromising pig performance.
• Estimated energy savings could approach $50 per weaned pig under the experimental conditions.