Physiological responses of growing Large White boars in three management environments

Growth and physiological responses in Large White boars were studied under three different management environments at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Federal University of Technology, Akure. The management environments were shed with concrete floor (SCF), open space with concrete floor (OSCF) and open space with earth floor (OSEF). Two studies were carried out, one between December 1990 and March 1991 and the other from December 1991 to April 1992. Meteorological parameters in all management environments were monitored simultaneously with physiological variables. Growth of the animals was assessed by monitoring body weights of the animals. Data analysis showed that mean ambient temperatures, mean relative humidity and net radiation differed significantly (P<0.05) among the management environments. Ambient temperature and net radiation of the pigs were highest (P<0.05) in the OSEF environment, which also had the lowest (P<0.05) relative humidity. Although growth rates did not differ significantly among environments, body weight was lowest (P<0.05) in the OSEF environment. Mean respiratory rates and rectal temperatures were lowest (P<0.05) in the SCF environment. The study shows correlations between some meteorological parameters and body weights. Pigs under shade and in concrete-floored pens were more comfortable and had higher body weight and lower respiratory rates and rectal temperatures.