Assessment of a low-cost solar water heating systems in farrowing facilities

F.A. Damasceno¹*, J.A. Osorio², C.E. Alves Oliveira¹, P.F.P. Ferraz¹ and L.F. Brandão³

¹Department of Engineering, Federal University of Lavras, BR37200-000 Lavras - Minas Gerais, Brasil
²University National of Colombia, Faculty of Agrarians Science, Department of Agricultural and Food Engineer, Calle 59 A N 63-20, CO050001 Medellín, Colombia
³Department of Engineering, Federal University of Ouro Preto, BR35400-000 Ouro Preto – Minas Gerais, Brasil
*Correspondence: flavio.damasceno@deg.ufla.br

Abstract:

The objective of this study was to develop a prototype solar heater using alternative materials and then to compare its thermal efficiency against that of two other commercial solar heating systems when heating the floor of piglet housing. To evaluate the thermal heaters, temperature sensors were installed in the inlet and outlet of each floor and the thermal reservoir. The results showed good performance, however the thermal efficiency of the alternative heater was lower than the conventional systems. However, due to the construction of this solar collector with alternative materials its cost was relatively low and its operation is easier than the other conventional heater, therefore this heater is a good alternative to use for small livestock producer.

Key words:

Pork quality of male hybrids from Lithuanian Wattle pigs and wild boar intercross

V. Razmaite¹*, S. Kerziene², V. Jatkauskiene¹, R. Nainiene¹ and D. Urbšiene¹

¹Institute of Animal Science of Lithuanian Veterinary Academy, Baisogala, Lithuania
²Lithuanian Veterinary Academy, Kaunas, Lithuania
Dr. Violeta Razmait�, Institute of Animal Science of Lithuanian Veterinary Academy,
R. Žebenkos 12, LT 82317,Baisogala, Radviliškis district, Lithuania
E-mail: razmusv@one.lt

Abstract:

The aim of this study was to compare the quality of meat from hybrid (Lithuanian indigenous wattle pigs x wild boar intercross) intact and castrated males. A total of 39 intact and castrated male hybrids from 1/4 and 1/2 wild boar genotype were included in the study. The hybrids from 1/4 wild boar genotype had lower eye loin area (P<0.05) and carcass cooling loss (P<0.001) than those from 1/2 wild boar genotype. Intact boars had lower carcass dressing percentage (P<0.05), backfat thickness (P<0.001) and higher loin area (P<0.001) than castrates. No differences were found as regards technological meat quality, but the taste panel study showed higher acceptability of pork from 1/4 wild boar genotype and castrates than that from 1/2 wild boar genotype and intact boars. A significant correlation was found between the age of intact boars and odour and juiciness (P<0.05). The concentration of testosterone in plasma was correlated with pork and fat odour

Key words:

Lithuanian Wattle, meat., swine, taste panel, wild boar