Spring is here!

Spring is a period that requires extra vigilance in the barn. Warmer days and colder nights increase the risk of respiratory diseases and issues such as ear or tail biting.

Regularly check the minimum and maximum temperatures in the compartments. Many climate controllers allow you to review temperature history. Pay particular attention to the lowest compartment temperature. If it is lower than the set target temperature, this may indicate excessively high minimum ventilation.

As outdoor temperatures rise, the target temperature can be set higher as well. This is especially important for heavy finishing pigs. The compartment temperature will rise partly due to higher outdoor temperatures and partly due to the animals’ heat production. With a target temperature that is set too low, there will be too much ventilation, especially at night.

The minimum ventilation percentage does not need to be increased when outdoor temperatures rise. Minimum ventilation requirements are based on the animals’ basic ventilation needs, which depend on their weight and not on outdoor or barn temperature.

With rising outdoor temperatures (and thus barn temperatures), it is advisable to check the maximum ventilation setting on the climate controller. Maximum ventilation may be increased during this period if it is still set to the winter curve.

During periods with large differences between daytime and nighttime temperatures, a wider temperature bandwidth is recommended. This means a minimum bandwidth of 6 °C.

In spring, check the air inlets. As outdoor temperatures increase, the inlets should be opened further. However, this does not mean they should be fully opened! That is only necessary during the true summer period.