Nowadays, it is known that not only thermodynamics elements influence swine productivity, but also the interaction with the aerial environment along with the noise level must be taken into account. This research studied the acoustic environment inside a pig nursery housing using average noise level distribution maps as a function of ambient temperature and relative humidity. The structural environment was divided in 2 m² cells. Noise level, air dry bulb temperature and relative humidity were recorded at piglet height in the centre of each cell. The results were mapped and the resulting nursery noise level was found to be 12.49 dB. However, a positive correlation between thermal environment and noise level was not found. From the results, it was possible to estimate the room noise level due to presence of piglets at around 12.49 dB. The resulting noise level found was below the international limit for swine housing and in accordance to national standards for farm workers. The results indicate that the piglets that were recently transferred to that environment vocalized more than the ones already acquainted with the room (10.98 dB), presenting a higher level of noise (12.58 dB).
noise level analysis; welfare assessment; behavior
