The importance of scientific insulation in pig farming

 

In modern animal husbandry industry, large-scale pig farms have become the dominant mode of pig production. With the increasing intensification of aquaculture, the impact of environmental factors on production performance is becoming increasingly prominent, with temperature regulation being particularly critical. As a homeothermic animal, pigs have significant changes in their ability to regulate body temperature with growth stages: piglets have incomplete temperature regulation centers, less subcutaneous fat, and weak cold resistance; Fattening pigs, pregnant and lactating sows also have specific requirements for environmental temperature. Suitable temperature is the foundation for pigs to maintain physiological functions and healthy growth. Scientific insulation runs through the entire breeding process, which can not only reduce diseases caused by cold stress, lower medical and mortality costs, but also improve feed conversion rate and reproductive performance (such as sow conception rate and piglet survival rate), directly related to the economic benefits of pig farms. However, some pig farms do not attach enough importance to scientific insulation, and there are shortcomings in the application and management of technology. Therefore, in-depth analysis of the importance of scientific insulation and exploration of effective technologies and management measures are of great significance for the development of large-scale pig farming.

1. Reduce the incidence of diseases

Scientific insulation is crucial for reducing the incidence of diseases in pigs. Appropriate temperature can prevent the contraction of blood vessels and insufficient blood supply in the respiratory mucosa of pigs due to cold, thus maintaining its normal defense function. When the temperature of the pig house is lower than 15 ℃, the incidence rate of the pig herd increases significantly. Scientific heat preservation (keeping the temperature of the pig house at 18-22 ℃) can reduce the occurrence of epidemic diseases. Reasonable insulation measures combined with good ventilation can reduce the humidity in the pigsty and minimize the accumulation of harmful gases such as ammonia and hydrogen sulfide. Keeping the humidity in the pigsty at 65% to 75% can inhibit the growth of pathogens and reduce the risk of diseases. Piglets have incomplete gastrointestinal function and are sensitive to temperature changes. Low temperatures can easily cause gastrointestinal stress, leading to disrupted secretion of digestive fluids, accelerated intestinal peristalsis, and diarrhea. When the ambient temperature is lower than 20 ℃, the incidence rate of piglet diarrhea will increase. Scientific heat preservation can provide a suitable environment of 25~28 ℃ for piglets and reduce the occurrence of stress diarrhea.

2. Promote the recovery of sick and weak pigs

The appropriate temperature provides a good environmental foundation for postoperative wound healing in pigs. Under suitable temperature conditions, the local blood circulation of the wound can be maintained in a normal state. Not only does it contribute to the proliferation of fibroblasts and the synthesis of collagen, promoting wound healing, but it also keeps the immune cells around the wound active. In an environment where the temperature is maintained at 25-28 ℃, the healing speed of postoperative wounds in pigs is faster than in a low-temperature environment, with smaller scar tissue and stronger tensile strength. For sick and weak pigs, their physical functions are relatively low, and their ability to produce heat is insufficient, making it difficult to maintain normal body temperature. At this point, effective insulation measures can prevent weakened pigs from worsening their condition due to heat loss. By providing a warm environment, such as using heating pads, insulated boxes, etc., the energy consumed by sick and weak pigs to maintain body temperature is reduced, allowing more energy to be used for the recovery of bodily functions.