More large pig producers are installing misting systems in farrowing houses to combat summer heatwaves while boosting sow welfare and productivity.
Cooling systems are increasingly viewed as a routine part of modern pig building design rather than an optional extra. Installation costs range from about £40 to £100 per sow, depending on the size of the building. Tim Miller, environmental specialist with ARM Buildings, said the economics were compelling. Many farmers would be able to install the systems themselves, he suggested, due to their simplicity.
“From £100 per sow for a small house to as little as £40 per sow for a large multi-room building, it’s a no-brainer, considering the welfare and productivity benefits the cooling system brings in hot weather.”
Most systems use high-pressure nozzles to create a fine mist in incoming air, lowering temperatures through evaporation without wetting the building.
“Misting systems are easy to fit and while I have had many calls from farmers without them, there have been very few issues of heat stress on farms where they are already in operation,” said Mr Miller, “The mist is too fine to wet the house but reduces the temperature as it evaporates,” he added. “I recently visited a farrowing house when the ambient temperature was 32?C but the room temperature was 28?C.”
Simple installation
Misting systems can often use existing Dicam controls to operate the equipment. Even where cooling systems are not installed, producers can reduce heat stress by wetting concrete passageways and increasing ventilation.
Mr Miller said the welfare benefits alone justified the investment, with any production gains providing additional value. “Some farmers use their pressure washers in front of the inlets to cool the incoming air but, obviously, care needs to be taken to avoid fans and other electrical equipment.”