PSXVI-21 - The effect of enhancing the thermal environment of piglets on physiology, behavior and productivity

To determine if increasing the heated area provided to piglets may improve their welfare; Sows (n = 27) were assigned to stalls using a traditional heat lamp (Control), or stalls using 2, 0.4 x 2.4 m heated mats (Heat). The mat temperature was maintained at approximately 39 °C until the 3^rd d post-farrowing when they were replaced with a traditional heat lamp. At 1 d of age, piglets’ temperature was recorded, and blood samples were taken from 4 piglets per litter to measure cortisol, lactate, and glucose. Of these piglets, 2 were females and 2 males, 1 each weighing above average (thrifty) and 1 each below average (unthrifty). ADG of all piglets and mortality were recorded on d 3, when the heated mats were replaced with heat lamps, as well as at weaning. There were no treatment differences (P > 0.10) for cortisol (4.52 ± 0.22 ug/dL), glucose (102.84 ± 2.11 mg/dL), or lactate (2.42 ± 94.77 mmol/L). Unthrifty piglets had greater cortisol concentrations (5.45 ± 0.34 vs. 3.64 ± 0.24 ug/dL, P < 0.0001) and lower glucose (97.3 ± 3.06 vs. 108.37 ± 2.76 mg/dL; P < 0.0014) than thrifty. ADG was not different (P > 0.10) on d 3 (0.12 ± 0.01 kg) or at weaning (0.24 ± 0.003 kg). There was no difference in body temperature between treatments (39.23 ± 0.03 °F, P > 0.10). Day 3 mortality was lower in Heat crates than Control (0.04 ± 0.02 vs. 0.12 ± 0.03, P < 0.02); however, mortality at weaning did not differ (11 ± 0.02%, P > 0.10). In conclusion, increasing the warm area in farrowing crates with heated mats over the length of the piglet area may increase survivability while provided.