What does it take to create the perfect environment for pigs? The primary goal is to create a space that is comfortable and well-ventilated. Whatever the temperature is outside, it is important to know what equipment it takes to make the pigs as comfortable as possible for maximum productivity.
 
Swine barn ventilation systems can vary, but the basic components include: 
●           Fans
●           Ceiling Inlets
●           Evaporative Cooling Systems / Misting
●           Curtains
●           Controllers
 
Warmer Months

Fans are the primary drivers of air movement through the barn. They exchange the air, remove excess heat and provide airflow across the animals, so they feel cool - like being outside on a breezy day.

Fans are the primary drivers of air movement through the barn. They remove excess heat by exchanging the air and providing airflow across the animals, so they feel cool - like being outside on a breezy day.

As the room temperature increases, fans stage up bringing more air through the inlets, then possibly transitioning to end wall curtains. As it continues to warm up outside, you’re trying to exchange the air more often and increase the airspeed in the room.
 
Cooler Months

Ceiling inlets are used during colder times of the year to help reduce humidity and gasses, and bring oxygen into the room.

Ceiling inlets are used during colder times of the year. Air is pulled up into the attic of the barn and then back down through the ceiling inlets, to help distribute the air effectively. This also helps reduce humidity and gasses, and brings oxygen into the room.

Humidity can be an issue in barns in the wintertime because pigs create a large amount of moisture when they exhale. Winter is a delicate balance, because you only want to ventilate as much as is required to keep moisture and gas concentrations at acceptable levels without burning more propane or natural gas than is necessary to maintain set point. By finding your ventilation sweet spot, you can better maintain set point while removing moisture and excess gasses -- all without wasting heat.
 
Take Control of Barn Environment

It’s important to make sure your sidewall curtains are in top notch condition for colder times of the year.