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This study compared water-heated mats and electric-heated mats with heat lamps as supplemental heat sources for suckling piglets. Forty-two litters were studied in 3 trials. In all trials, behavior of piglets was video-recorded on day 1, 3, 7, 14, and 21 postpartum. Videos were scan-sampled to register postures (lying and standing) and locations (on or away from mat) to assess piglet use of heat sources. Litter size and weight at birth and weaning, and pre-weaning mortality were recorded. Data were analyzed using Glimmix Procedures of SAS.
Piglets spent more time on water-heated mats than under heat lamps. No difference in piglet performance between water-heated mats and heat lamps was observed, except mortality tended to be higher in water-heated mats. Piglet performance and use of the heat source were comparable for heat lamps and electric-heated mats. When comparing water-heated mats with electric-heated mats, piglets provided water-heated mats spent more time on the mat compared to those provided electric-heated mats. No difference in pre-weaning mortality, litter weight, and individual daily gain was observed between water-heated mats and electric-heated mats group.
These results suggest electric-heated mats and heat lamps were comparable to maintain performance and postural behaviors of piglets.
Zhu Y, Li Y, Reese M, Buchanan E, Tallaksen J, Johnston L. Behavior and Performance of Suckling Piglets Provided Three Supplemental Heat Sources. Animals. 2020; 10(7):1155. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10071155
