RESUMO O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar o conforto térmico, as respostas fisiológicas e o desempenho de porcos na fase de crescimento, submetidos a programas complementares de iluminação em ambientes climatizados, na região semiárida de Pernambuco, Brasil. Vinte e sete porcos (3/4 Duroc, ¼ Pietrain) foram submetidos a baias sem ar condicionado, baias com ventilação forçada e baias com resfriamento adiabático evaporativo, associadas a 12 h de luz natural, 12 h de luz natural + 4 h de luz artificial e 12 h de luz natural + 6 h de luz artificial. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, em arranjo fatorial 3 x 3, com três repetições. As respostas meteorológicas, fisiológicas e variáveis de desempenho dos animais foram registradas. O sistema de resfriamento evaporativo atenuou a ação dos agentes estressores e garantiu o alojamento térmico adequado para os animais. A frequência respiratória e a temperatura retal indicaram que o resfriamento evaporativo garantiu a manutenção da homeotermia. O ganho de peso e a conversão alimentar foram influenciados positivamente para os animais expostos ao resfriamento evaporativo, no entanto, sem efeito significativo dos programas de iluminação.

ABSTRACT The objective of this research was to evaluate the thermal comfort, physiological responses and performance of pigs in the growth phase, subjected to supplemental lighting programs in air-conditioned environments, in semiarid region of Pernambuco state, Brazil. Twenty-seven pigs (3/4 Duroc, ¼ Pietrain) were subjected to pens with no climate control, pens with forced ventilation and pens with adiabatic evaporative cooling, associated with 12 h of natural light, 12 h of natural light + 4 h of artificial light and 12 h of natural light + 6 h of artificial light. The experimental design was completely randomized, in a 3 x 3 factorial arrangement with three repetitions. Meteorological responses, physiological responses and performance variables of the animals were recorded. The evaporative cooling system attenuated the action of the stressors and ensured adequate thermal conditions for the animals. Respiratory rate and rectal temperature indicated that evaporative cooling ensured the maintenance of homeothermy. Weight gain and feed conversion were positively influenced for the animals exposed to evaporative cooling, but without significant effect of lighting programs.

ABSTRACT An adequate thermal environment in pig farming facilities is essential to ensure productivity and animal welfare. The objective of this study was to evaluate the behavior and performance of finishing pigs, subjected to climate-controlled environments and supplementary lighting. Twenty-seven pigs (3/4 Duroc, 1/4 Pietrain) were kept in pens with no climate control, pens with forced ventilation and pens with adiabatic evaporative cooling system, associated with 12 h of natural light, 12 h of natural light + 4 h of artificial light and 12 h of natural light + 6 h of artificial light. The experimental design was completely randomized, in a 3x3 factorial arrangement and the means were compared by Tukey test (p<0.05). Meteorological variables, temperature and relative humidity, were recorded and the zootechnical performance of the animals was evaluated by weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion. Behavioral analysis was performed using the frequency of ingestive and comfort behaviors (exploratory activities and social interactions). Better performance was found for animals subjected to evaporative cooling, and the program with supplementary lighting for 6 hours promoted better feed conversion. Pigs subjected to evaporative cooling showed higher frequency of comfort behaviors and higher frequency of ingestive activity, stimulated by better thermal conditions in the housing.

RESUMO Este estudo foi conduzido com o objetivo de caracterizar a tipologia das instalações para produção de frangos de corte na região Agreste do Estado de Pernambuco, por meio de levantamento das características construtivas de aviários existentes na região. Foram avaliados 68 galpões, em 27 granjas, no período de maio de 2012 a abril de 2013. Com base nos resultados obtidos, 90% das instalações apresentaram orientação leste - oeste, com pequeno afastamento entre galpões (< 30 m). A maioria dos galpões apresentou cobertura com telhas cerâmicas (93%), ausência de forro (93%) e lanternim (100%), pé-direito abaixo do recomendado (90%), beirais menores que 1,25 m (93%) e muretas com altura superior a 0,2 m (40%). Quanto aos equipamentos, observou-se que a principal fonte de aquecimento foi por campânulas à lenha (71%), comedouros e bebedouros automatizados (46 e 35%) e pendulares (54 e 65%). Aproximadamente, 67% dos galpões possuíam ventiladores e 58% destes estavam associados à nebulização. O levantamento permitiu caracterizar o perfil das instalações e suas necessidades de adequação para a melhoria da condição de alojamento das aves na região.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was characterized the types of broilers’ facilities in the Wasteland region of the state of Pernambuco. The constructive characteristics of poultry houses in the region were studied. We studied 68 sheds on 27 farms from May 2012 to April 2013. Based on these results, 90% of facilities was oriented east - west, with a slight separation between barns (<30 m). Most barns had roof with ceramic tiles (93%), no lining (93%) and lantern (100%), ceiling height lower than recommended (90%), eaves less than 1.25 m (93%) and low walls with a height exceeding 0.2 m (40%). As for the equipment, it was observed that the main heating source was fired by hoods (71%), automated feeders and drinkers (46 and 35%) and also tilting (54 and 65%). Approximately 67% of the sheds have fans and 58% of these were associated with nebulization. This research allowed us to characterize the profile of their facilities and fitness needs to improve the condition of housing birds in the region.