Improve temperature control and performance with Galebreaker’s new Pig ThermoCover

Livestock housing solutions specialist, Galebreaker, has launched a new automated pen-level cover. The innovative Pig ThermoCover creates a more stable micro-climate throughout the full growing cycle and has been shown to improve feed conversion ratios (FCR).

The system uses automated precision control to open and close the breathable cover in response to changing external conditions, helping maintain optimum pen temperatures while preventing condensation and humid air build-up.

Trial results have shown an average pen temperature increase of more than 2°C when the cover is deployed. During a winter batch, Pig ThermoCover delivered a 1.7% improvement in FCR across the whole batch, rising to a 4% improvement during the finishing-to-marketing stage.

Galebreaker’s Technical Director, Andrew Gardner says the Pig ThermoCover offers producers significant benefits.

He says: “Maintaining the right environment in pig housing is increasingly important, particularly during colder weather when producers need to balance warmth, ventilation, animal welfare and operating costs.

“Pig ThermoCover has been developed to deliver practical, automated control at pen level, helping create a more consistent micro-climate while also reducing the labour involved in routine bedding and cleaning tasks.”

Designed with daily practicality in mind, the motorised opening function allows workers access from either edge, making re-bedding from a gantry or pen-level cleaning quicker and easier.

Trials demonstrated an approximate 20% reduction in daily labour required for cleaning out and re-bedding.

Compared to traditional breathable fabric membrane covers which are frequently disposed of once pigs become large enough to pull them into the pen, Pig ThermoCover remains in place for the full batch.

This allows producers to benefit from improved heat retention across all growth stages, including the finishing and marketing phase when pigs are gradually removed from buildings or groups.

Made from semi-transparent fabric, Pig ThermoCover allows natural light into the pen, while its cleanable and reusable design removes the need to replace fabric covers for every batch.

Factoring in both labour and feed conversion savings, trial data indicates a conservative return on investment of 3.2 years.

Pig ThermoCover joins Galebreaker’s wide range of pig housing solutions, including VVS ventilation systems, Agridoor and VentLogic controls, all designed to support better air quality, temperature management and working conditions in modern pig production.