The influence of environmental temperature and plane of nutrition on heat losses from groups of growing pigs

Abstract

SUMMARY 1. Rates of heat loss from 12 groups of pigs were measured over 4-week periods in a large direct calorimeter equipped as a pig pen. 2. The levels of feeding in different groups were 34, 39, 45 and 52g/kg body weight per day, and the calorimeter temperatures were 7°, 12°, 20° and 30°C. 3. At 12°, 20° and 30°C the rates of heat loss were related to the level of feeding. 4. At 7°C the mean rate of heat loss was higher than at the other temperatures, and was not related to the level of feeding.