STUDY REGARDING THE MICROCLIMATIC PARAMETERS INFLUENCE ON THE WELFARE OF PIGS REARED IN INTENSIVE SYSTEM
Abstract
The aim of the present study is to assess the level of the microclimatic parameters in a pig farm of S.C. Romsuintest Peris and to relate it with the pigs’ welfare interpreted on the basis of average daily weight gain (ADWG). It was analyzed the air quality in two pig houses – one with growing pigs and one with finishing pigs. There was established the level of physical air parameters (temperature, relative humidity, light intensity, noises, draught), chemical parameters (ammonia, hydrogen sulphide) and biological ones (aerobic plate count – APC, fungal plate count – FPC, fine air particulates). The modern devices used for this purpose were: Dräger Miniwarn multi gas detector (NH3 and H2S concentration analyze), BK 2250 sound meter (noise level) and LM 8010 multifunction (temperature, relative humidity and light intensity recording), as well as classic: air filtration for fine particulate analyze, aerobic and fungal plate count. The researches led to the following conclusions: • The air temperature recorded an exceeding with 9° C in growing pigs’ house and with 7°C in finishing pigs’ house, the relative humidity is exceeded in both houses and the noises level is slightly exceeded in the last one, while the other physical parameters recorded normal values; • The maximum admitted limit of ammonia - 26 ppm - is exceeded with 12 ppm in growing pigs’ house and with 4 ppm in finishing pigs’ house and of hydrogen sulphide - 10 ppm - is exceeded with 5 ppm in both assessed houses. • In growing pigs’ house, the maximum value of CFU for APC was exceeded by 2,78 times and in finishing pigs’ house by 1,88. The values of the other two biological parameters, FPC and air particulates, were found in normal limits; • The inadequate air quality results in poor welfare, fact demonstrated by the significant decreasing of the ADWG – 425 g, reported to the breeds standards: 595 g for Large White and SL 345, 588 g for Landrace
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