Temperatures are already dropping sharply at night so pig producers should make sure all flaps and fans in their buildings are working properly and that doors are closed at night.
More work is required during the autumn temperature transition period in buildings which are not automatically ventilated, points out Paul Thompson, veterinary consultant to pig-breeding company, ACMC Ltd. In particular, gale-breaker flaps need to be raised or closed as appropriate.
Where straw bales are used as an insulating layer, on many farms the bales serving this purpose are ancient and should be changed to reduce problems with dust and vermin infestation, he advises.
www.acmc.co.uk
