Cold pen temperature

What To Look For:

More tail biting was found when pens were at or below the lower end of the temperature range (as recommended by DEFRA code); less tail biting was found when pen temperature was at the upper end of the recommended temperature range. DEFRA recommended temperature for pork-weight pigs (~55kg) is 15 - 21°C, bacon weight pigs (~100kg) should be within 13 and 18°C .

Additional information:

A priority is to ensure that pigs do not become too cold. There is a higher risk of tail biting occurring when pens are below the lower end of the recommended temperature range, than when temperatures are maintained at the upper end of the range4.

Defra recommend a temperature range for pork-weight pigs (~55kg) of 15 - 21°C,  and  for bacon weight pigs (~100kg) 13 - 18°C.

Shivering or huddling in pigs are signs of extreme cold which should clearly be avoided. However, pigs experience discomfort at milder temperatures than this without obvious outward signs.

Suggestions:

Pen temperatures should be measured using calibrated equipment, ideally with recording to show daytime and night time temperatures.

Generally, ensure that there is enough room in the lying area for all pigs to lie in clean, dry straw.

When cold weather is expected, extra actions that can be taken:

  • Add more straw to allow pigs to create warmer shelters within the lying area and provide further insulation from the flooring
  • Adjust ventilation systems to ensure that pigs are not becoming too cold
  • Consider replacing barred gates with solid gates to reduce air flow and allow air to warm within the building
  • Assess wind direction and which vents are most appropriate to use
  • Use gale breaker material to reduce the air-speed entering the building
  • If pens are at the end of an occupied row, add insulation to the pen wall using straw bales.
  • Consider providing a covered area over the lying area, or an inner kennel within the pen (eg with straw bales) to keep a warm resting area. It can be useful in preventing direct down draughts of cold air down walls. This must be robust enough to withstand the pigs’ activity.

Additional material:

Defra code of recommendation for pigs - https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/69369/pb7950-pig-code-030228.pdf

Action for productivity 21. Ventilation http://pork.ahdb.org.uk/media/2048/Action-21-Ventilation.pdf

AHDB Pork Ventilation Guide http://pork.ahdb.org.uk/environment-buildings/pig-buildings-housing-development/ventilation/ventilating-pig-buildings-guide/

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