Deck height and ventilation for transport times of less than eight hours

In summer the height of the fully opened side shutters allows rapid air change during transport and limits the deterioration of ambient air conditions during stops. In winter partial covering or closure of the shutters on the left side reduces the air flow rate to one third and limits air speed among the pigs. Deck height is not the only criterion that needs to be considered to ensure air change and air quality conducive to the welfare of the pigs. The height of the side shutters and the total opened surface area on both sides of each deck are most important and so have also to be taken into account.Adequate ventilation of the pigs by fully opening the shutters can be supplemented by spraying the pigs in the truck.Additional fan ventilation is thus superfluous for transport less than 8 hours. In summer natural ventilation throughopened side shutters is optimal Deck height in three-deck trucks can be between 85 and 95 cm.