Repsol YPF

Newborn piglets have very few defences against low temperatures. They are born without any hair, with humid skin and with few reserves stored in the bloodstream or liver. During the first few hours of life, in cold weather, body temperature drops dramatically. The smaller the animal, the faster its body temperature drops. After the first time they suckle, their body temperature rises slowly until it reaches a normal range. This takes 24 hours. However, when the birthing barn is cold, the piglets need 6 to 8 days before their body temperature reaches normal levels. In that time, their development could be slowed, or they could die.

The following graph shows optimum and critical temperatures for piglets without straw beds:

With a straw bed, these temperatures can be three degrees lower. Approximately one month later, they leave the birthing barn and move to the weaning area.

Pigs in the first phase (from weaning to 20-25 kg.) and second phase (from the end of weaning until they are sold) of their lives do not need their surrounding environment to be so warm (around 20°C according to weight). Optimum temperatures for breeding pigs are around 15°C.

At all life phases, the pigs is very sensitive to sudden temperature changes. Effects are more detrimental when the environment cools. It is not advisable to let temperatures fluctuate more than 5°C.