Effects of High Temperature on Growth Performance of Pigs

Abstract

Data related to the biological performance of pigs were collected from various piggeries in Queensland, N.S.W., Victoria and Tasmania. Climatic zones in the above states were defined and the biological performance data were related to various temperature parameters in different climatic zones. There were significant relationships between the growth performance parameters and climatic parameters with a reduction in daily rate of gain, an increase in feed conversion ratio and possibly an increase in backfat depths during the hotter parts of the year. Experiments were conducted under field conditions in central New South wales in various piggeries to determine the effects of a hot climate on biological performance under practical conditions. ... Eight experiments were conducted under laboratory conditions at the University of New England, to study the influence of high ambient temperature on the growth performance of bacon pigs and to try to determine means to ameliorate heat stress. ... Relationships between total heat production per pig per day and respiratory quotient and daily dry matter intake were established. The results indicated that the animals with higher daily dry matter intakes had higher total heat production and respiratory quotient values.