Swine Feed Efficiency: Influence of Temperature

Pig performance, including feed efficiency, is maximized when animals are kept within their thermoneutral zone. When describing the environmental conditions that the animal is raised in, it is important to realize that there are several factors influencing pig comfort. “Effective” environmental temperature is a better measure than “air” temperature, as it takes into account relative humidity, air movement (velocity), flooring type and condition, insulation of the building, evaporative cooling, and huddling of pigs. Pigs of different size and age have different thermoneutral comfort zones, as younger, smaller pigs have higher temperature requirements and have a smaller tolerance for temperature changes (Figure 1). As pigs grow, their thermoneutral zone expands and they are able to tolerate a much wider range of temperature before growth rate and feed efficiency are affected