The influence of huddling and body size on the metabolic rate of the young pig

Abstract

1. The oxygen consumption of young pigs from 1 to 37 days of age has been measured in a closed circuit respiratory metabolism chamber, over the environmental temperature range 4–37° C.2. The values obtained for single pigs alone in the chamber have been compared with the results of measurements on groups of pigs 3–6 days of age taken together.3. It has been found that as environmental temperature falls below 30° C. and the grouped pigs huddle together, oxygen consumption per kg. for the group becomes smaller than values for single pigs of the same individual weight, and corresponds more with results from the larger single pig.4. Rectal temperature is maintained in pigs of the group at a lower energy cost than that required for the single pig, the saving in energy expenditure becoming proportionately greater as ambient temperature falls.5. These results are discussed in relation to body size and skin temperature.