As we move into winter, fluctuating temperatures can be a major stressor and predecessor to pneumonia in pigs, warns says Paul Thompson, veterinary consultant to pig-breeding company, ACMC Ltd.
Sophisticated environmental monitoring and control systems are available but, as a minimum, it is good practice to check maximum and minimum temperatures in growing and finishing pig housing as part of the daily routine and to take remedial action if temperatures are falling out of the tolerance levels set.
However, it is important to position thermometers in a representative area of the house. Passageways under air inlets may not reflect temperatures experienced at pig level.
