14 / 2025-03-27 22:39:01

Evaluating the impact of heat lamp on thermal environment in farrowing unit using CFD

heat tress,radiation,sow,piglets,local heating

3. 智慧牧场与动物福利 > （1）智慧养殖的利惠：提高动物福利与健康、环境、经济效益与劳动力

Lactating sow and newborn piglets housed in the same farrowing unit have markedly different thermal comfort zones. Conventionally, heat lamps are used as localized heating devices to prevent piglets from becoming hypothermic. However, the extent to which heat lamps affect the microclimate around the sow remains unclear. In this study, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling was employed to analyze the temperature-humidity index (THI) distribution around the sow and convective heat flux, validated against experimental data from a cross-ventilated farrowing house. The results indicate that the impact of heat lamps on heat stress in lactating sows depends on the combined effect of inlet air temperature and humidity, ventilation rate, as well as the height and power supply of the heat lamp. In certain conditions, heat lamps contribute to an increased THI around the sow, potentially exacerbating heat stress. To address this, a predictive model of THI around the sow was developed based on these influencing factors. This model provides a valuable tool for optimizing farrowing house environments, allowing producers to balance the thermal requirements of both sows and piglets while minimizing heat stress and improving overall animal welfare and production efficiency.