Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a simple fogging system on the microclimate of a farrowing room and the sows’ welfare, which was analyzed through physiological indicators such as respiration rate, and rectal and skin surface temperature. Of 42 lactating sows, 21 were housed in a section (section I) of the farrowing room with a high-pressure fogging system, while the other group (n = 21) were housed without any cooling treatment (section II). Significant differences were found between mean values of microclimatic parameters. The air temperature in section I with active cooling was 2.1°C (p = 0.01) lower than in section II; however, the cooling induced a significant (p = 0.01) increase (18.6%) in air relative humidity. The mean temperature-humidity index (THI) was 0.8 lower (p = 0.05) in the cooled section. The fogging system had a significant impact on the reduction of respiration rate. Rectal and skin surface temperatures were at similar levels in both groups of sows. Based on this study, future research is needed to continue the development of this system as well as new technologies that would be applicable for the climate conditions of central and eastern Europe. Keywords: Animal welfare, Animal housing, Cooling.
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