Evaluation of thermal characteristics of different types of farrowing huts for outdoor pig production in hot climatic areas

The technical and economic feasibility of the systems for outdoor pig production was verified and proved in several researches carried out in different geographic areas both in Europe (e.g. Great Britain, France, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Portugal) and in non-European countries (e.g. USA, Brazil), with considerable differences in climatic conditions. In comparison with the indoor pig production, the outdoor production can imply a higher exposure of pigs to thermal stresses, with negative repercussions on the productive performances. The heat stress influences negatively the fertility and prolificacy of the sows. In this study environmental data were collected in an experimental pig farm placed in the South of Italy. The air temperature and relative humidity were measured inside and outside of different kinds of farrowing huts, by means of sensors connected to a data logger. On the basis of this study, it was possible to plan outdoor housing solutions suitable for the hot conditions of the South of Italy. During the year 2000 six pilot pig farms were realized in Sicily and Calabria Regions and are now working as examples for the breeders.