EFFECT OF AERIAL AMMONIA LEVEL ON THE MORTALITY OF GROWING AND FINISHING PIGS IN FARROW-TO-FINISH INDUSTRIAL FARMS IN GREECE

摘要

Ammonia (NH_3) is one of the major atmospheric pollutants present in animal facilities. The impact of NH3 on pig's health status and performance has been documented in several studies (1,2,3). The present study represents a part of a broader survey dealing with the risk factors affecting mortality in growing/finishing pigs and aims to the evaluation of the potential effect of NH3. A total of 23 farrow-to-finish industrial farms, representing 11.8% of the total greek farms with >= 150 sows under production, were selected (herd size was ranged between 150 and 2,200 sows). In each farm the animals were penned in confinement facilities and were supervised by a responsible veterinarian.