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Hot summer weather can be rough on sows and hogs. If temperatures over 80oF persist for long periods of time, death can occur. At the very least, temperatures over 75oF will decrease the feed efficiency and weight gain of sows and hogs. Sows are of particular concern in such heat because heat stress can reduce their milk production, and reduce the growth of young pigs. Extreme heat stress can cause reproduction problems, and even death.
To deal with these problems, Greenhill Manufacturing has developed an economical intermittent electronic controller, with drip, spray and mist/fog cooling systems.
Drip Cooling Effects
|
Sow Effect |
No Cooling |
Drip |
|
Respiration Rate (Breaths per Minute) |
63.6 |
28.5 |
|
Average Weight Loss (During Lactation) |
38.53 lbs. |
8.36 lbs. |
|
Daily Feed Intake (During Lactation) |
8.36 lbs. |
12.66 lbs. |
Spray Cooling Effects
|
Litter Effect |
No Cooling |
Spray |
|
Number Born Alive |
10.8 |
11.00 |
|
Number Born Dead |
1.4 |
0.6 |
|
Number Weaned |
10.1 |
10.6 |
|
Litter Wean Weight |
112.3lbs. |
123.92 lbs. |
source: Kansas State University Study
The electronic controller and solenoid valve assemblies are all made of heavy-duty plastic and stainless steel. The controller itself makes use of ultra-low power consumption electronic components, (less than two watts without solenoid activities,) and is housed in a water-tight, heavy-duty plastic case.
The controller is factory set to activate at 78oF, and will turn cooling water on for one minute, and off for ten minutes. The DG2100 model has an additional temperature stage; if the temperature goes above 88 oF, the controller will turn water on for two minutes and off for ten. These settings will very likely never need to be changed, but the user can easily adjust them if he or she so chooses.
Drip Cooling
Drip Cooling is achieved by placing a dripper above the sow's neck and shoulders. Mounting details are given in the next few pages. The drip nozzles drip at the rate of one gallon per hour (GPH) at 15 PSI, or about two ounces every ten minutes. If additional water is needed, it can be obtained in several ways; the first by increasing system On Time, and the second by increasing system pressure using adjustable pressure regulators, G250. If less water is desired, it can be obtained by decreasing system On Time or pressure. Individual drippers can be adjusted or shut off using the close-offs ,G138, illustrated in the following pages.
Spray Cooling
Spray cooling is achieved by running overhead lines above the area to be sprayed. Greenhill furnishes two types of nozzles, a standard 180o fixed spray nozzle , G140, and a rotary spray nozzle , G150. The standard fixed spray nozzle, G140, sprays 12 GPH or 2/10 gallons per 10 minutes over a half circle area with a three foot radius. The rotary spray nozzle, G150, uses 9 GPH and throws it over a circle eight feet in diameter. Mounting details are given in the next few pages. If additional water is needed, it can be obtained in several ways; the first by increasing system On Time, and the second by increasing system pressure using pressure regulators, G250. If less water is desired, it can be obtained by decreasing system On Time or pressure.
© Copyright 1999 Greenhill Manufacturing, LTD. All rights reserved.