Comparison of Room- and Floor Heating in Piglet Houses

Abstract

After two years of investigations, different ventilation- and heating sy- stems for piglet houses can now be evaluated comprehensively. In additi- on to the economic viability of the variants, the lying behaviour, indoor air quality, and the emission of noxious gases have been taken into ac- count. As compared with standard fans, low-energy „EC fans“ allow electricity consumption to be reduced by an average of more than 50%. With regard to heating energy, gas burners instead of hot-water floor heating with gas boilers also enabled consumption to be reduced by more than 50%. Floor heating, however, is advantageous for the lying beha- viour of young piglets and the air quality parameters.