Heat lamp needs of baby pigs

Baby piglets were subjected to heat lamps with a constant output of 250W, 175W, or 125W, or a variable output of 175 to 100W. The effects of heat lamp color (clear vs. red) on piglets' behavior were also examined with the 175W and 175 to 100W heat lamps. Heat lamp use (HLU) of the piglets was found to be significantly higher during the day than at night (P<0.05). HLU decreased with increasing piglet age and ambient temperature, and the magnitude of HLU reduction depended on the heat lamp size. Particularly, the constant 250W heat lamp generally produced excessive heat and suppressed HLU, especially during the later portion of the lactation period. In comparison, the variable 175 to 100W heat lamp was more adequate for the piglets. Heat lamp color of clear or red did not seem to influence HLU or piglet performance. Further research is needed to develop a comprehensive control algorithm or device to optimize heat lamp operation.