Winter preparation is essential

Fans and air inlets that are not cleaned in a timely manner can reduce the air flow and negatively affect the results of pig growth.

Thus, both before the start of winter and during its entire period, it is necessary to prepare buildings and rooms for the cold season. Providing a comfortable environment for pigs is a guarantee of continued productivity on the farm. Here are some ideas to think about as you start preparing for the cold season.

Start checks with the ventilation system. Making sure the hall is airtight is an important aspect to ensure minimum ventilation works. Although it is difficult to completely seal the entire room, you can start by checking the areas that clearly need repair and filling any cracks or fissures. This process will also help you fight against rodents, which at the beginning of the cold season are looking for warmer areas for hibernation.

Correct adjustment of the air intakes is also important. Here we include both air intakes that are mounted on an external wall, but also those mounted in ceilings or towards corridors.

It is also necessary to check the settings of the ventilation system. As the outside temperature drops, we are approaching the time when only minimal ventilation is used in conjunction with heaters. To prevent the situation where fans and heaters work at the same time (which would mean a waste of energy) it is recommended to set a temperature difference between the two of about 1°C.

At this time of the year, as the outside temperature at night drops and the temperature during the day is relatively high, it can be difficult to get a suitable setting from the first adjustment after commissioning, so it may be necessary to checking for correct temperature settings.



Another important step is to ensure proper ventilation by cleaning all fans, heaters and air intakes. Dusty or dirty fans and air inlets can reduce air flow and negatively affect pig breeding results. Heaters in the corridor and in the room should be cleaned and checked for proper operation before starting to use them.

Last but not least is checking the water supply lines. An unwanted situation where the water supply line has frozen can lead to the need of major repairs and a potential situation where the animals are left without water. In unpopulated rooms it is necessary to drain the water from the pipes and even leave a line open (with the room supply valve closed). This point is even more important with evaporative cooling systems. If you use such a system it is recommended to remove the pump during the winter and store it in a heated indoor space to extend its life. Also check the insulation of pipes outside or located on the outside wall of buildings, and if necessary, replace the insulation.

By taking precautions by preparing your farm for winter, you can maintain good productivity and reduce the likelihood of expensive repairs in the future.