Thermal Properties of Concrete Slats During Preheating of Empty Swine Facilities

Abstract

<p>Providing appropriate thermal conditions for young piglets is critical to growth and welfare, especially during stressful periods after transportation and relocation. When preheating an empty facility prior to the arrival of piglets, raising the air temperature to the desired setpoint can be achieved relatively quickly but heating of other barn components, namely the concrete slat flooring, requires additional time and heat input. In this study, the heat transfer rates to concrete slats in a bench-scale model commercial facility environment were measured under high temperature heating conditions. Temperatures were recorded in multiple locations, including air above the slats, pit head space below the slats, and inside the slats. Results from this study can advise producers on the time and heating input required to preheat facilities prior to piglet arrival to reduce piglet stress and discomfort.</p>