Explain the importance of critical temperature in the context of a pig rearing enterprise. - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question g - 2015

The critical temperature is the environmental temperature at which pigs can maintain their body temperature without experiencing weight loss.

This temperature is crucial in pig rearing because it ensures that pigs are not expending excess energy to maintain their body heat. If the temperature falls below this critical level, pigs may need to consume more feed to generate additional energy, which can lead to an increase in feed conversion ratio (FCR).

Maintaining the correct temperature is essential for optimizing growth rates and feed efficiency. Furthermore, specific housing conditions should be monitored to ensure that the pigs are kept within this critical temperature range, promoting better overall health and productivity.