Resumen de Efectos del uso de lonas térmicas de polipropileno en naves de destete durante el invierno
Noé Dolz Dolz, J. Alvarez Rodríguez, Daniel Babot Gaspa, Fernando Forcada Miranda
This study aimed at evaluating the use of polypropylene fabrics in weaned pig facilities during the winter period to improve environmental conditions and energy saving for heating. Two experiments were conducted to validate the effects of fabrics (F) compared to control (C) in three 2-week periods using natural ventilation (assay 1, 2013) and forced ventilation (assay 2, 2014). Air temperature and relative humidity were greater in F than in C compartments in both years. Natural ventilation involved relative humidity levels above 70% at the end of the post-weaning period (9-10 weeks of age) in both groups (F and C), whereas forced ventilation allowed controlling relative humidity levels <60%. About 12-26% of the radiant heat was transmitted through the fabrics cover, depending on the wavelength. There were no differences between compartments in growth performance of piglets in both years. The use of polypropylene fabrics was associated with a significant electric energy saving during the first and second 2-week periods (5 to 8 weeks of age) in both years. In conclusion, polypropylene fabrics were able to provide optimal environmental conditions for weaned piglets in winter, avoiding heat losses through the roof and therefore saving heating energy, in particular when outside air temperature is low.
