Evaluation on performance and thermal environment of hoop structure for finishing pigs

A hoop structure swine production system was designed aiming to reduce wastewater from pig production. A 100-head hoop structure for finishing pigs was built in Beijing, and the environment status and pig performance in the hoop structure were studied and compared with that of control in typical brick-concrete concentrated swine house. Results showed that the average inner air temperature in hoop structure and control house was 26.6℃, 27℃, and relative humidity was 77%, 71%, respectively, in summer; Average inner air temperature was 18.9℃, 21℃, and relative humidity was 50%, 49%, respectively, in spring; Pig’s daily average gain and feed grain ratio were no significantly different between the hoop structure and control house, but water-saving effect was very significant in the hoop structure, with water consumption in hoop decreased by 13.2 L/d each pig in summer and 1.4 L/d each pig in spring compared with control house, which reduced 16.5 L/d and 4.7 L/d waste water in summer and spring, respectively.