Abstract
Handling of pigs under hot weather conditions face a critical challenge in meeting thermal comfort and animal welfare standards. Moreover, climate variation affects production and pre-slaughter logistics. This study assesses the thermal comfort of pigs during pre-slaughter procedures under different weather conditions. The case study was conducted at two commercial pig farms in Southeastern Brazil. The bioclimatic index more accurately indicated the pigs' thermal comfort than the temperature-humidity index. The length of the transportation journey critically affected the pigs' thermal comfort, as shown by the rise in pigs' skin temperature (1.56 °C and 1.64 °C on pigs from Farm 2 and Farm 1, respectively). The pigs reached the critical upper limit of the thermoneutral zone under hot weather conditions. Adequate microclimate control during the pre-slaughter management procedures might improve pig welfare. To increase the animals' thermal comfort, both farms should reschedule their transportation to a cooler time of the day. Both farms should also improve their pre-slaughter management processes by training workers to comply with animal welfare requirements and reduce loss.
Highlights
Animals interact directly with their rearing environment and respond physically and behaviorally to harsh conditions (Brown-Brandl et al, 2012; Renaudeau et al, 2012; Fox et al, 2014)
In order to evaluate the impact of two different weathers on the thermal comfort of pigs during the pre-slaughter logistics, we proceded with a qualitative and quantitative research applying a Multiple Case designed based on collect data from an experiment conduct in two farms during pig transportation from farm to slaughterhouse
We found a positive correlation between pigskin temperature and Ta, temperature-humidity index (THI), and bioclimatic index (BI)
Summary
Animals interact directly with their rearing environment and respond physically and behaviorally to harsh conditions (Brown-Brandl et al, 2012; Renaudeau et al, 2012; Fox et al, 2014). Pig production in hot and warm regions requires environmental control investments to meet animal welfare standards. Farmers plan their management activities based on weather conditions and animal characteristics such as age, health conditions, and management. Farmers can help their animals maintain thermoregulation and increase productivity (Renaudeau et al, 2011). Animals in developing countries are usually reared in sideopened systems relying on regional weather during reproduction, growing, and fattening (Renaudeau et al, 2011). The cooling systems used in pig production units in Brazil typically combine axial fans and fogging systems and often rely on manual handling by skilled laborers (Sarubbi et al, 2012)
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