POWER-SAVING PROCEDURES AND ANIMAL THERMAL COMFORT AT A GROWING FINISHING SWINE PRODUCTION UNIT

Abstract

Climate control systems are one alternative for minimizing losses due to high temperature andlarge thermal variations in swine production units. However, because of the possibility of increasethe productions cost, the benefits of climate control systems should be assessed before they areimplemented. This research aims to assess the efficiency of different swine growing and finishingfacilities regarding the animal thermal comfort, and the use of electric energy. The treatments arethe following: S1 – two old automatic started fans + constructively inappropriate, S2 – two newautomatic started + constructively inappropriate fans, S3 – one old manual started fan +constructively inappropriate, S4 - no one acclimatization system + constructively appropriate. Thevariables used in comparing these constructions were dry-bulb temperature, relative humidity,enthalpy and the thermal control index (ITH), as well as the electric variables and electric energyefficiency indexes. The use of two new fans and a sprayer system, both automatically started,provided animals with better thermal comfort, than compared wit h old ones. The use of automaticclimate control equipment improves thermal comfort conditions as well as the use of electric energy.