Texas FFA Livestock Judging PracticeTest

Baby pigs require temperatures within which range for optimal growth?

1. 70-80 degrees F

2. 80-90 degrees F

3. 90-100 degrees F

4. 60-70 degrees F

The correct answer is: 80-90 degrees F

Baby pigs, especially during their early weeks of life, need a warm environment to thrive. The optimal temperature range of 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit is crucial because piglets are not able to regulate their body temperature effectively immediately after birth. In the lower end of this range, temperatures around 80 degrees help ensure that the piglets are comfortable and can utilize their energy for growth and development rather than shivering to maintain body heat. The upper end of this range, around 90 degrees, provides additional warmth during cooler periods or if the pigs are small or weaker. Maintaining this temperature range is vital for their health, as it promotes better feed conversion rates, reduces the risk of hypothermia, and improves overall welfare, which in turn leads to faster growth rates and increased survival. This knowledge is particularly important in livestock management practices when raising pigs, as proper environmental conditions contribute significantly to their development.