The effect of different ambient temperatures on growth performance, rectal temperature, and diarrhea parameters in growing pigs

บทคัดย่อ

This study aimed to investigate the effect of different ambient temperatures on growth performance, rectal temperature, and diarrhea parameters in growing pigs. Twenty female growing pigs of three crossbreeds (Landrace × Large White × Duroc) were used in this experiment, with an initial body weight of 21.79±9.12 kg. The pigs were randomly allocated to two treatments: 1) low temperature (20°C) and 2) high temperature (30°C), with 10 replicates per treatment. The pigs were provided with unlimited access to feed and water. On days 43 and 44 of the experiment, rectal temperature data were recorded in both groups. The results indicated that pigs in the low ambient temperature group had higher average daily feed intake and body weight gain in the early stages than pigs in the high ambient temperature group (P<0.05). However, different ambient temperatures had no significant effect on growth performance at weeks 3-6, overall feed efficiency, rectal temperature, and diarrhea parameters (P>0.05). In conclusion, pigs with a body weight of 20-30 kg during weeks 1-2 in the low ambient temperature group (20°C) experienced mild cold stress, which led to increased feed intake for heat production and, consequently, greater body weight gain. However, ambient temperature did not significantly affect the other measured parameters.