Influence of different bedding materials on microclimatic variables in farrowing pens

This study was conducted at the Centre for Pig Production and Research, Mannuthy to investigate the influence of flooring enrichments on the microclimatic environment of Large White Yorkshire (LWY) sows and their piglets. Three flooring systems were evaluated: T1 (concrete floor), T2 (hay bedding) and T3 (wood shavings bedding). The bedding was maintained at a uniform thickness of 7.5 cm and replaced as required based on moisture content. All sows were housed in pens measuring 3 m 2 m. Microclimatic parameters like air temperature (C), relative humidity () and floor surface temperature (C) were recorded weekly at 9:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. using a mini data logger (Testo 174h) and infrared thermometer (Testo 835). Results showed that relative humidity was consistently highest in T1, followed by T2 and T3 (P0.05) with slightly higher values in enriched groups and diurnal variation was evident, with peak values at 5:00 p.m. Floor temperatures were lowest at 9:00 a.m., with significantly high values in T2 at 5:00 p.m. Techno-economics indicate that the use of bedding materials as floor enrichments, particularly hay, not only enhanced animal comfort but also improved overall profitability under experimental conditions. Overall, enriched flooring moderated pen microclimate and improved thermal comfort compared to concrete floors despite the temperature variations.