Transporting Isowean Pigs—Part II: Responses to Potential In-transit Thermal Conditions

Abstract

<p>The goal of this research was to explore the feasibility and protocols to transport isowean pigs long distance. This study was the second part of the effort that examined the thermal environment aspects of such a practice. Isowean pigs of PIC genetics (10 to 12 days old) were subjected to simulated 54-h in-transit temperature pattern of 80 ± 0, 5, 10 or 15°F. The pigs were provided with water supplement (average dosage of 2 lb/pig) during the treatment period and ad libitum feeding during a 14-d growth period. All pigs had similar weight loss (8.4 to 8.9% of their initial body weight) during the treatment period. The only difference in total weight gain during the growth period was between pigs previously exposed to 80 ± 15°F (8.33 lb) and those previously exposed to 80 ± 10°F (9.15 lb) (P0.05). All pigs showed similar physiological and energetic responses during both treatment and growth periods. The treatment period led to elevated concentrations of hematocrit, plasma protein, blood urea nitrogen, sodium and chloride, but declined glucose level (P</p>