Abstract

KIEFER, C.; MEIGNEN, B.C.G.; SANCHES, J.F.  and  CARRIJO, A.S.. Response of growing swine maintained in different thermal environments. Arch. zootec. [online]. 2009, vol.58, n.221, pp.55-64. ISSN 1885-4494.

Were used 24 castrated swine distributed in completely randomized design composed for two treatments and twelve repetitions, with the objective to evaluate the behavior, physiological responses and the performance of the animals. The average temperatures of the experimental period were 21.5^oC and 31.3^oC, respectively, in thermal comfort and heat stress. Swine under heat stress remain significantly little time in the position in foot, more time in the lying position, little time in the feeder, more time in the water through, more time in the lying position in the water through and more time sleeping in relation to those kept in thermal comfort. Swine under heat stress had presented energy, protein, lysine and ration intake, weight gain and feed: gain ratio reduced and had presented minor weight of organs, except of the stomach, and had presented increased respiratory frequency and rectal and surface temperatures. Swine under thermal comfort had presented greater efficiency of use of the protein and energy and greater daily protein and fat depositions in the carcass. Temperatures that provoke heat stress affects negatively the behavior of growing swine.

Keywords : Environment; Welfare; Thermal comfort; Heat stress.

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