The most effective housing solution for ensuring stable microclimatic conditions, which are essential for the growth potential of weaned piglets to be fully expressed, is represented by group pens with plastic slatted flooring, which may vary in slot width and material, with microclimate management handled through computerized systems.

Environmental control is fundamental and is ensured by dynamic ventilation (up to approximately 50 air changes per hour) and by heating systems, which may be:

• Radiant heating, generally using hot water, with finned aluminum elements to increase the heat exchange surface.
• Contact heating (conduction), through heated modules integrated into the flooring (nest area), which transfer heat by direct contact with the animal during the early weaning stages.

Both solutions can also be integrated, combining ambient air heating with direct piglet heating, for more precise and effective thermal control.

For emerging early weaning techniques, Rota Guido offers solutions with self-supporting outdoor boxes. The availability of particularly protected resting areas with controlled temperature makes it possible to provide ideal conditions both during rest and during movement and feed intake phases. The adoption of differentiated temperatures between the shelter area and the resting area encourages greater feed intake, which is then assimilated in areas maintained at the optimal temperature.

The benefits are twofold:

• reduced heated volumes and improved energy efficiency;
• better weight gains and feed conversion ratio