IHT Group to manufacture, sell hog-cooling technology in North America

Sep 11, 2023

IHT Group, based in Winnipeg, Canada, is bringing patented cooling pad technology for hogs to the North American market in spring 2024, according to a recent press release. The technology was designed by researchers in Purdue University's Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering and Department of Animal Sciences.

The pads are 2-foot-by-4-foot aluminum tread plates on top of copper pipes that circulate water. Sensors in the pads determine if the hog is too hot and circulate new water to keep the pad cool.

Heat harms hogs

Record heat across North America impacts not just people but also animals, including farmers' livestock. Francisco Cabezon, research president at Pipestone Research, which specialises in swine health research and recommendations, said overheating can cause problems for hogs.

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Video: Swine Biosecurity: 5 Critical Steps to Prevent Disease Transmission | LANXESS

Protecting herd health starts before anyone enters the barn. Every visitor, employee, piece of equipment and movement between farms can introduce disease risks if proper biosecurity protocols aren't followed.

In this SwineWeb Biosecurity Intelligence feature, Dr. Gisele Ravagnani of LANXESS Biosecurity Solutions explains practical steps pork producers can take to strengthen on-farm biosecurity and reduce the risk of disease transmission.

Key topics covered:

• Visitor Management: Why visitor logs, previous farm exposure and downtime requirements are essential.

• Controlled Barn Entry: How Danish entry systems establish a clear separation between clean and dirty areas.

• Shower-In/Shower-Out Protocols: The importance of dedicated clothing, footwear and controlled movement.

• Footbath Management: Proper cleaning, disinfection and maintenance practices, including the use of Virkon™ S.

• Equipment Biosecurity: Why equipment must be properly cleaned, disinfected and dried before entering production areas.