Maintaining good air quality and effective ventilation in pig housing becomes increasingly challenging as temperatures drop. However, ensuring optimal environmental conditions during colder weather is crucial – not only to sustain productivity but also to minimise the risks of illness and mortality. Implementing well-maintained ventilation systems (VVS) and micro-climate temperature management (ThermoCover), is essential to address these issues and support animal health and welfare. Fortunately not all housing improvements need to be expensive, here’s some ideas for affordable improvements to pig housing

Pigs, especially piglets, are susceptible to sudden changes in temperature, so automated building control is a must for many pig producers. Galebreaker’s control systems make use of internal temperature, wind speed, wind direction and rain sensors to ensure that the climate within the building is constantly optimising the internal environment of the pig housing. Our V40 and iSeries control systems also reduce the amount of labour required on farm, by automatically opening and closing curtains when needed. As the Pig Unit Manager at Plumpton College explains “Using the VVS system means you can monitor and also make changes on the go. The recent very hot weather meant we could decide to shut curtains based on where the sun was in order to give the pigs shade, while opening the curtains on the opposite side to get air flow. The reverse was easily done as the sun moved round during the day. It’s something we don’t have to worry about, on auto it just does it’s stuff. Perfect. I’ve not used a Galebreaker system before, although I have seen it on many British Quality Pork sheds in my time as a fieldsman. I would absolutely recommend them.” Read more about Plumpton College.