THERMAL CONFORT INDEXES FOR THE USE OF FANS AND FOGGING IN GESTATING SOWS HOUSING UNDER TROPICAL CONDITION

摘要

Heat stress besides affecting the general performance may induce the increase in plasma corticosteroids, affecting immunity and interacting negatively in the nutrients absorption for swine (1). Reproductive functions are highly affected when environmental temperature values depart from the thermoneutral zone. Heat stress in sows leads to increase embryo mortality, decreasing the number of born piglets as well as in weight of piglets (2). In Brazil the most common heat exposition is near the thermoneutral zone upper limit around 28-30°C, and chronic exposition to this temperature occurs mainly during summer months. The use of cooling devices such as fans associated to fogging reduces the risk of heat stress, as pointed out by (3). The objective of this research was to determine the benefit of the use of fans and fogging inside the gestating housing.