89 Effects of a Novel Heat Lamp Compared to Conventional Heat Lamps on Litter Performance

The objectives were to evaluate differences in productivity (mortality, number of pigs weaned and litter weights) and electricity usage between farrowing crates equipped with the HAVEN device or standard heat lamps. The HAVEN is a heat element designed to create a microclimate for newborn pigs. A total of 314 sows (Camborough; PIC, Hendersonville, TN) were initially allotted to the study in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) based on parity (P1, P2, P3+). Treatments consisted of control group (standard heat lamps) and treatment group (HAVEN device). Around d112 of gestation the sows were moved to the farrowing house and randomly allotted to the treatment. After farrow, litters were cross-fostered within treatment until 24-h after farrowing to equalize litter number to teat count. Litter size and weight were collected at the time of cross-fostering and at weaning. Sows had an ad libitum access to feed and water during lactation. Data were analyzed as an RCBD using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS with litter as the experimental unit and block as a random effect. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) between treatments on litter growth performance. However, there were significant differences (P < 0.05) between the Control and Haven groups on piglets mortality and removals (%). The Control group had a higher incidence of mortality when compared to the Haven group (11.42% vs. 9.06%, respectively). In addition, the Control group had a higher (P < 0.05) percentage of pigs removed compared to the Haven group (18.41% vs. 15.55%, respectively). Regarding electricity usage, on average the HAVEN device consumed 1.55 Wh/day compared to 2.41 Wh/day from the heat lamp. In conclusion, under the conditions of this trial the HAVEN provided production benefits reducing mortality and removals (%), and also potential savings in electricity.