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Latest Pig Industry News
Wednesday, January 05, 2005
Print This Page Supplementary creep heating
UK - Supplementary heat in a piglet creep area is essential to create a micro-environment for the litter and reduce chilling. Traditionally, infra-red lamps have been used widely to provide the necessary heat.
However, these are wasteful of energy, a fire hazard, short lived and tend to heat the whole room as well as the creep which can be detrimental in summer, advises Mark White JSR Genetics' consultant veterinary surgeon.
Many producers are investing in heat pads as an alternative with encouraging results. However, producers must be aware of the risk of draughts where heat pads are uncovered and adjust ventilation system accordingly.
Where non-enclosed creeps are used, particularly with heat pads, it is often necessary to run rooms 2-3ÂēC warmer than where enclosed creep boxes are available, which could reduce the sow's appetite, resulting in lowered feed intake.
Source: JSR Genetics - 5th January 2005
