This research was carried out with the objective to evaluate the raising systems in deep-bedding (wood shavings and rice husk) and the traditional system of concrete floor, and its influence in the thermal environment (BGTHI [Black Globe Temperature and Humidity Index] and surface temperature of both floor and bed), and swine animal performance from 25 kg to 120 kg. Two hundred sixteen animals were used (Landrace x Large White), 72 per raising system (18 pigs/pen). For comparison, the animals were evaluated per phases: 1 - from 64 to 98 days (25-50 kg); 2 - 99 to 126 days (50-75 kg); 3 - 127 to 162 days (75-105 kg); and phase 4 - 163 to 186 days (105-120 kg). For the evaluation of thermal environment, a randomized block experimental design was used, with three raising system, being the repetitions the period of days of each phase. A completely randomized design with four replicates (pens) were used for the evaluation of animals performance. At the first two phases, BGTHI values observed in the raising system with deep-bedding were higher to that observed in the concrete floor. In all phases, the highest values for surface temperature of the bed or floor were observed in the deep-bedding systems. The animal performance was similar among all the raisingsystems, in the two first phases, but, in the third phase, it was bigger in the raising system with concrete floor and, in the fourth phase, it was superior in both the raising systems with bed. The final animal performance was not influenced by the raisaing systems. In the phase from 25 to 75 kg, the raising system deep-bedding revealed to be satisfactory as alternative to the traditional system of concrete floor.
animal environment; deep-bedding; swine feedlot
