Coolpigs is looking for pig breeders to conduct stable cold studies

Coolpigs researchers are looking at all sorts of new approaches to avoiding heat stress in pigs. This summer, for example, the effect of high-pressure spraying, the consequences for barn climate, heat stress and growth performance in fattening pigs will be examined. According to the researchers, not only the decrease in temperature, but also the increase in relative humidity is important here, and in addition to the decrease in temperature, we also evaluate the increase in relative humidity.

What cooling technologies are there and what should I watch out for?

The researchers are also looking into other cooling technologies that evaporate water, also known as “thermic cooling systems.” Misting causes the temperature to drop, but the disadvantage is that the relative humidity rises quickly. It is therefore important that the misting system be turned off before the humidity gets too high (75-85%).

Another system is the PAD cooling, which works via plastic containers through which water flows. Here you must be careful not to turn your stable into a refrigerator. PAD cooling can be very efficient, but even when it is turned off, the cases remain wet for some time, so you can inadvertently continue cooling. Humidity will also continue to rise for a while.

A system that is being increasingly used is passive cooling using heat exchangers. Air heat exchange takes place through indirect contact with soil, soil or wash water. With a heat exchanger, the air is not humidified, which is a huge plus.

Finally, cooling can also be done by cooling the floor. This is done via a system of piping below the floor, which delivers cold water via a heat pump.

What works best?

Coolpigs wants to make it clear which of these systems you should go for. In addition to gathering technical information, installation costs and consumption, they also want to evaluate the effectiveness of various refrigeration systems. To this end, climate sensors will be installed in the summer of 2023 and 2024 in practical companies equipped with various cooling systems. Pig breeders who have this cooling system can register via the website https://www.varkensloket.be/stalclimate/hittestress. Participants get an advanced climate sensor from the Coolpigs team, which gives them insight into the most efficient cooling systems.