Piglets face a considerable and life-threatening
thermal challenge at birth under temperatures
recommended in the housing of farrowing sows
(Berthon et al., 1994). Consequently, provision of
additional on-site fl oor heating (34°C) at birth and
early in life has proven favorable for regaining normal
rectal temperature, initiation of suckling, and survival
of piglets born at 21°C (Malmkvist et al., 2006).