The effects of ambient temperature, nature and temperature of the floor and radiant heat on the metabolic rate of the new-born pig.

Abstract

Using a closed circuit technique, the oxygen consumption of 108 piglets below one week of age have been measured while modifying the physical attributes of the thermal environment. Moving the piglets onto a wooden floor from concrete reduced the oxygen consumption rate from 37.8 ml to 34.5 ml/kg. min) at 10°C, and from 33.7 to 31.4 ml/(kg. min) on a rubber floor at the same temperature. Oxygen consumption was also significantly reduced when the piglets were placed on a straw floor, were supplied with radiant heat and when the floor temperature was raised independently of chamber temperature. It is concluded that the provision of supplementary heating either in the floor or by overhead radiation can greatly reduce the effects of a cold environment on the new-born pig and so enhance the animal's viability.