Swine Barn Noise Control and Sound Management

By Dr. Zubair Khalid, DVM, MS, PhD · 2026-08-14

Key Takeaways

Chronic noise exposure exceeding 85 decibels (dB) significantly elevates stress hormones in pigs, leading to reduced feed intake and slower growth rates, impacting economic returns.
Ventilation fans are the primary continuous noise source in mechanically ventilated swine barns, with worn belts, loose housings, and dirty blades exacerbating noise levels.
Impact noise from feeders and handling equipment, such as metal gates slamming, can produce sudden sound spikes above 100 dB, causing acute stress and potential hearing damage in both pigs and workers.
Measuring noise levels with an A-weighted sound level meter at pig and human ear height is critical for identifying problem areas and quantifying the effectiveness of noise reduction interventions.
Cost-effective noise reduction strategies include regular fan maintenance, padding feeders and gates with rubber or plastic, and utilizing sound-absorbing materials like closed-cell foam panels in animal areas.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) permissible exposure limits for workers are 90 dB over an 8-hour shift, necessitating mandatory hearing protection (earplugs or earmuffs with NRR ≥ 20 dB) in areas exceeding 85 dB.

Swine barns are noisy places. Fans run constantly, feeders rattle, pigs squeal, and equipment clangs. While some level of noise is normal in any livestock operation, excessive or chronic noise creates real problems for both animals and people. For pigs, sustained loud noise raises stress hormones, reduces feed intake, and can lower growth rates. For farm workers, daily exposure to high noise levels damages hearing over time and makes communication difficult. This guide covers the causes of noise in pig barns, how to measure sound levels, practical ways to reduce noise at the source, and how to protect both your herd and your staff. It is written for swine producers, farm managers, and employees who want a quieter, more productive facility.

At a Glance

The main noise sources in a swine barn are ventilation fans, feeders, pig vocalizations, and handling equipment.
Pigs are sensitive to sudden loud noises. Chronic noise above 85 decibels can reduce feed intake and weight gain.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets a permissible exposure limit of 90 decibels over an 8 hour shift for workers. Many swine barns exceed this.
Start by measuring noise levels in different barn zones with a sound level meter. You cannot manage what you do not measure.
The most cost effective noise reduction is often fan maintenance. Worn belts, loose housings, and dirty blades increase noise significantly.
Use rubber matting and padding on feeders and gates to reduce impact noise.
Design new barns with acoustic considerations in mind. Place the office and break room away from the main animal area.
Provide hearing protection for all employees who work in the barn for more than a few hours per day.
Monitor pig behavior for signs of noise stress, including huddling, excessive fighting, and reduced feed intake.
Keep records of noise measurements and any changes you make. This helps you track progress and justify equipment purchases.

Understanding Noise and Its Effects on Pigs

To control noise in a swine barn, you first need to understand what noise does to pigs and why it matters for your bottom line. Pigs have excellent hearing. Their auditory range extends from about 42 hertz to 40,500 hertz. That means they hear sounds both lower and higher than humans can detect. Sounds that seem tolerable to you may be uncomfortable or even painful for your pigs.

How Pigs Perceive Sound

Pigs use sound to communicate with each other. Sows recognize the calls of their own piglets. Piglets learn to identify their mother's voice. Group housed pigs use grunts and squeals to establish social order and signal distress. When background noise is constant and loud, it masks these important communication signals. A pig that cannot hear a warning grunt from a pen mate may be more likely to get into a fight. A sow that cannot hear her piglets calling may be slower to respond to a piglet that is trapped or in trouble.

Loud noise is not just an annoyance to pigs. It triggers a physiological stress response. When a pig hears a sudden loud sound, its body releases cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones increase heart rate and redirect blood flow away from the digestive system. Over time, chronic stress from noise can suppress the immune system, making pigs more susceptible to disease.

Research Findings on Noise and Pig Performance

Several studies have looked at how noise affects pig growth and behavior. While the specific numbers vary, the overall pattern is consistent. Pigs exposed to sustained noise above 85 decibels show reduced feed intake and slower weight gain compared to pigs in quieter environments. One study found that pigs exposed to intermittent loud noises gained 10 percent less weight than pigs in a quiet control group. Other research has shown that sudden noises, like a metal gate slamming, cause an immediate spike in heart rate that takes several minutes to return to normal.

The effects are most pronounced during the grow finish phase. This is when pigs are eating the most feed and putting on the most weight. If noise stress reduces feed intake by even a small amount during this period, it extends the time to market weight. That means more days on feed, more labor, and more facility overhead per pig.

Noise Effects on Sows and Piglets

Breeding herds have their own noise concerns. Sows that are stressed by noise during gestation may have higher cortisol levels, which can affect fetal development. Some research suggests that sows housed in noisy environments produce lighter piglets at birth. The lactation phase is also sensitive. A sow that is constantly startled by loud noises may be more aggressive toward her piglets or less attentive to them. This can increase piglet mortality from crushing.

Piglets themselves are vulnerable to noise stress. Their hearing is fully developed at birth, and they startle easily. In the farrowing room, sudden loud noises can cause piglets to pile up in a corner or under the sow. This piling behavior increases the risk of crushing and suffocation.

The Human Side of Barn Noise

Noise is not just an animal welfare issue. It is a worker safety issue. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends a limit of 85 decibels as an 8 hour time weighted average. Exposure above this level without hearing protection causes permanent hearing damage over time. Many swine barns routinely operate at 90 to 100 decibels or higher, especially in mechanically ventilated rooms with multiple fans running.

Workers in noisy barns also face communication challenges. If you cannot hear a warning shout from a coworker, you are at higher risk of accidents involving equipment or animals. Fatigue is another factor. Constant noise is mentally draining. Workers in noisy environments report higher levels of stress and irritability. This can lead to rushed decisions and careless handling of animals.

Main Sources of Noise in Swine Barns

To reduce noise effectively, you need to identify where it comes from. The major noise sources in a typical swine barn are ventilation fans, feeders and feed delivery systems, pig vocalizations, and handling equipment. Each source has its own characteristics and its own solutions.

Ventilation Fans

Ventilation fans are usually the loudest continuous noise source in a mechanically ventilated barn. A single large exhaust fan can produce 80 to 90 decibels at close range. When multiple fans run at once, the combined noise easily exceeds safe levels.

Fan noise comes from several components. The motor produces a hum. The blades produce aerodynamic noise as they push air. The fan housing and shutters rattle if they are loose. The belt drive system produces a whine if belts are worn or misaligned. Even the mounting brackets can transmit vibration to the building structure, turning the whole wall into a sounding board.

Fan noise increases with fan speed. In hot weather, when fans run at full speed, noise levels are at their highest. This coincides with the period when pigs are already heat stressed. The combination of heat and noise creates a double stressor.

Feeders and Feed Delivery

Feeders are a major source of impact noise in swine barns. Metal feeders clang when pigs root at them. The noise is worse when the feeder is nearly empty, because the pig's snout hits the bare metal. Feed drops from augers and bins create additional noise. The auger itself produces a grinding sound that carries through the building structure.

Automatic feeding systems add their own noise. The auger motor, the gearbox, and the drop tubes all produce sound. When the system cycles, it often does so at set times throughout the day. Pigs learn to anticipate these feedings, and they vocalize loudly in the minutes before the feed arrives.

Pig Vocalizations

Pigs are naturally vocal animals. A healthy group of pigs produces a constant background of grunts and snorts. This is normal and generally not a concern. The problem comes with distress calls. Squealing is a high pitched sound that cuts through other barn noise. It is produced during handling, fighting, and piglet processing.

Squealing is contagious. When one pig squeals, others often join in. This can create a cascade of noise that lasts for several minutes. The worst episodes happen during routine procedures like castration, tail docking, and teeth clipping. Moving pigs through alleys and into chutes also produces high levels of squealing.

Handling Equipment and Facility Components

Gates, doors, and sorting panels produce loud bangs when they are moved. A steel gate slamming against a concrete wall can produce a sound spike above 100 decibels. This is one of the most startling noises for pigs, and it is entirely preventable with simple padding.

Other facility components contribute to noise. Loose roofing panels rattle in the wind. Water lines clatter when the pressure fluctuates. Heating units and cooling pads add their own hums and drips. Even the building's electrical system can produce a buzz if wiring is faulty.

Measuring Noise Levels in Your Swine Barn

You cannot control noise effectively until you know your current levels. Measuring noise is straightforward, and the equipment is affordable. A basic sound level meter costs between $50 and $200. More advanced models with data logging cost several hundred dollars. For most producers, a basic meter is sufficient.

Choosing a Sound Level Meter

When selecting a sound level meter, look for one that measures A weighted decibels. The A weighting scale approximates how the human ear perceives sound. It is the standard scale for occupational noise measurements. The meter should also have a slow response setting, which averages out brief spikes and gives a more stable reading.

Some meters can log data over time. This is useful if you want to track noise levels across a full day or compare different management practices. Data logging meters are more expensive, but they save time because you do not have to stand in the barn taking manual readings.

Where to Measure

Noise levels vary significantly across a barn. Measure in several locations to get a complete picture. Take readings at the pig level, which is about 2 to 3 feet above the floor. Also take readings at human ear level, about 5 to 6 feet above the floor. The difference matters because workers are exposed to noise at ear level, while pigs are exposed at their own head height.

Measure in these locations at minimum:

Center of each room
Near the main exhaust fans
Near the feeders
In the alleyways
In the office or break room
At the feed auger and bin area

When to Measure

Take measurements at different times of day and under different conditions. Measure during the hottest part of the day when fans run at maximum speed. Measure during feeding times when augers and pig vocalizations add to the noise. Measure during a quiet period to establish a baseline. If you do this across several days, you will get a good sense of the noise profile of your barn.

Interpreting Your Readings

Compare your readings to the NIOSH recommended limit of 85 decibels as an 8 hour average. If your readings are at or above this level, you need to take action. Also note the peak readings. Brief spikes above 120 decibels can cause immediate hearing damage in humans and are extremely stressful for pigs.

For pigs, the research suggests that sustained levels above 85 decibels are problematic. If your barn regularly exceeds this level, you should prioritize noise reduction. Even a 3 decibel reduction is significant. Because the decibel scale is logarithmic, a 3 decibel reduction represents a 50 percent reduction in sound energy.

Practical Noise Reduction Strategies

Once you have baseline noise measurements, you can start making changes. The most effective approach is to address noise at the source first, then address the path of sound transmission, and finally protect the receivers (both pigs and people). Work through these strategies in order of cost effectiveness.

Fan Maintenance and Upgrades

Fan maintenance is the single most cost effective noise reduction strategy for most barns. A well maintained fan runs quieter and more efficiently than a neglected one. Start with a thorough inspection of every fan in the barn.

Check the fan blades for dirt and debris. Dirty blades become unbalanced, which causes vibration and noise. Clean the blades with a brush and mild detergent. Check the shutters for smooth operation. Sticking shutters cause a rattle that adds to the noise. Lubricate the shutter hinges with a light oil.

Inspect the belts for wear and proper tension. A loose belt slips and produces a squeal. A belt that is too tight puts strain on the motor and bearings. Replace worn belts immediately. Check the motor mounts for tightness. A loose motor vibrates against the fan housing.

Check the fan housing and mounting brackets. Tighten any loose bolts. If the fan is mounted directly to a wall panel, consider adding rubber isolation mounts between the fan and the wall. These mounts absorb vibration and prevent the wall from acting as a sound board. They are inexpensive and easy to install.

If you are replacing fans, look for models with larger diameter blades that turn at lower speeds. A 36 inch fan running at low speed moves the same air as a 24 inch fan running at high speed, but it produces significantly less noise. Variable speed fans also help. They allow you to run fans at lower speeds during mild weather, which reduces both noise and energy use.

Feeder Modifications

Feeders are a major source of impact noise, but you can reduce this noise with simple modifications. The most effective approach is to add padding to the areas where pigs root and where feed drops.

Install rubber strips or plastic edging along the top edges of metal feeders. This dampens the impact when pigs root at the feeder. Some manufacturers sell replacement feeder parts made from high density polyethylene, which is quieter than steel. If you are buying new feeders, choose models with plastic or rubber components.

Adjust the feeder settings to reduce empty feeder banging. A feeder that is set too tight dispenses feed slowly, which means pigs are rooting at a nearly empty pan. Adjust the flow rate so that a thin layer of feed covers the bottom of the pan at all times. This reduces the metal on metal contact.

For feed delivery systems, install flexible drop tubes instead of rigid metal pipes. The flexible material absorbs the sound of feed moving through the system. Check the auger for worn bearings and misalignment. A properly aligned auger runs much quieter than one that is out of alignment.

Building Modifications for Sound Absorption

Sound does not just come from the source. It reflects off hard surfaces and travels through the building structure. Most swine barns are built with concrete floors, metal walls, and metal roofs. These surfaces reflect sound rather than absorbing it. The result is a reverberant environment where noise bounces around and builds up.

Adding sound absorbing materials reduces the echo and lowers the overall noise level. The challenge in a swine barn is finding materials that can withstand the moisture, ammonia, and cleaning chemicals. Standard acoustic ceiling tiles are not suitable for animal areas.

Look for closed cell foam panels that are designed for agricultural use. These panels are moisture resistant and can be washed. Install them on the upper portions of walls and on the ceiling. They absorb sound and reduce reverberation. A 10 to 20 percent coverage of the wall and ceiling area can reduce noise levels by 3 to 5 decibels.

Another option is to install baffles made from sound absorbing material. These hang from the ceiling and trap sound waves. They are commonly used in industrial settings and are available in washable versions.

For the office and break room, use standard acoustic materials. A quiet space where workers can recover from barn noise is important for hearing health and morale.

Reducing Pig Vocalizations

You cannot stop pigs from vocalizing entirely, but you can reduce the triggers that cause loud distress calls. Most excessive squealing happens during handling and processing. Improving your handling techniques reduces both noise and stress.

Move pigs in small groups rather than large ones. Large groups are harder to control, and pigs become agitated. Use solid sorting boards instead of open gates. Pigs move more calmly when they cannot see through the board. Avoid shouting at pigs. Your voice adds to the noise and startles them further.

Process piglets quickly and quietly. Have all equipment ready before you start. Work in a well lit area so you can see what you are doing. Consider using a lidocaine based local anesthetic for painful procedures. This reduces the piglet's pain response and the associated squealing.

For group housed sows, reduce competition at the feeder. Aggressive interactions cause squealing. Ensure there is adequate feeder space for all animals. In a competitive situation, pigs will fight over feed access, and the losers will squeal.

Controlling Impact Noise

Impact noise from gates, doors, and equipment is one of the easiest problems to fix. Install rubber bumpers on all gates and doors. These bumpers absorb the impact when the gate is closed. They cost a few dollars each and take minutes to install.

Use rubber matting on the alley floors where pigs are moved. The matting reduces the noise of hooves on concrete. It also provides better footing, which reduces slips and falls. The mats are available in rolls and can be cut to fit.

Pad the sorting chute and the crowd gate area. This is where pigs are most likely to bang against the structure. Apply rubber strips or plastic sheeting to the contact points. The reduction in noise is immediate and noticeable.

Designing Quieter New Barns

If you are building a new barn or doing a major renovation, you have the opportunity to design noise control into the structure. The principles are the same as for retrofitting, but you can implement them more thoroughly and at lower cost.

Site Layout

Think about noise when you choose the barn location and layout. Place the office, break room, and feed storage away from the main animal area. A separate office building is ideal. If the office must be attached to the barn, put it at the gable end, away from the fans.

Orient the barn so that the main exhaust fans face away from neighboring residences and from your own house. A row of exhaust fans can produce 90 decibels at the fan outlet. This noise carries for a considerable distance. A vegetative buffer of trees and shrubs helps absorb sound, but it cannot fully block it.

Construction Details

Use construction methods that reduce sound transmission. Insulated metal panels are better than bare metal because the insulation absorbs sound. If you use concrete block walls, consider filling the cores with insulation. This adds mass, which blocks sound transmission.

Install a dropped ceiling in the office area. The air gap between the barn ceiling and the office ceiling acts as a sound barrier. Use solid core doors between the office and the barn. A hollow core door transmits much more sound.

For the animal area, install sound absorbing panels in the ceiling. This is much easier during construction than as a retrofit. The panels can be installed above the insulation layer and will not interfere with cleaning.

Ventilation Design

Work with a ventilation specialist to design a system that minimizes noise. Use larger fans at lower speeds rather than smaller fans at higher speeds. The total airflow is the same, but the noise is significantly lower.

Provide separate ventilation for the office area. If the office relies on the barn ventilation system, you will hear fans running constantly. A small dedicated ventilation unit for the office keeps it quiet and comfortable.

Feed System Design

Design the feed delivery system with noise in mind. Use flexible drop tubes throughout. Locate the auger motor in a separate utility room or outside the main animal area. If the motor must be inside, mount it on rubber isolation pads and enclose it in a small sound proof housing.

Consider a wet feeding system instead of dry feeding. Wet feeding systems are inherently quieter because the feed is mixed with water and pumped through pipes rather than dropped through augers. They also reduce feed dust.

Common Mistakes in Noise Management

Many producers attempt to address barn noise but make mistakes that limit their success. Being aware of these common errors helps you avoid them.

Mistake 1: Focusing Only on Pig Vocalizations

New producers often assume that the squealing is the only noise problem. They focus on calming the pigs and ignore the mechanical noise. In reality, fans and feeders usually produce more total noise energy than the pigs. Address the mechanical sources first. They are easier to fix and have a larger impact.

Mistake 2: Ignoring Worker Hearing Protection

Some producers think that because they have worked in the barn for years without noticeable hearing loss, the noise is not a problem. Hearing loss is gradual. By the time you notice it, the damage is permanent. Provide hearing protection for all workers and require its use in areas above 85 decibels.

Mistake 3: Using the Wrong Sound Absorbing Materials

Standard acoustic foam and ceiling tiles absorb moisture and harbor mold and bacteria. They are not suitable for animal areas. Use only materials rated for agricultural or industrial use. Check the product specifications for moisture resistance and cleanability.

Mistake 4: Making Changes Without Measuring

Some producers make fan adjustments or add padding and assume the problem is solved. Without measuring, you do not know if your changes actually helped. Always measure before and after any modification. The data tells you what worked and what did not.

Mistake 5: Neglecting Regular Maintenance

Noise control is not a one time project. Fans become dirty, belts wear, and padding deteriorates. Build noise control into your regular maintenance schedule. Inspect fans, feeders, and padding at least quarterly and after any major cleaning.

Mistake 6: Forgetting About Neighbors

Noise does not stop at your property line. If your barn is near a residence, the noise can cause complaints and legal issues. Address neighbor concerns proactively. Let them know you are working on noise reduction and invite them to tell you if the noise is a problem.

Decision Thresholds for Noise Control Investments

Not every barn needs the same level of noise control. Use your noise measurements and your observation of pig behavior to decide how much to invest. The following thresholds provide practical guidance.

Below 80 Decibels

If your barn consistently measures below 80 decibels in the animal areas, your noise levels are acceptable. Continue with regular maintenance and monitor periodically. No major investment is needed. Focus on protecting workers who spend long hours near fans, as even moderate noise can cause fatigue.

80 to 85 Decibels

This range is borderline. The pigs are likely not showing significant stress, but workers are at risk of hearing damage over time. Implement a hearing protection program for workers. Start with fan maintenance and feeder padding. These low cost measures may bring levels down a few decibels.

85 to 90 Decibels

This range requires action. Pig performance may be affected, and worker hearing is definitely at risk. Prioritize fan maintenance and consider adding sound absorbing panels. Evaluate whether variable speed fans are a good investment. Implement a mandatory hearing protection policy for all workers in the animal area.

Above 90 Decibels

This is a serious problem. Pigs are likely stressed, and workers are at immediate risk of hearing damage. Take immediate action. Measure to identify the loudest sources and address them first. Consider major investments such as replacing fans, adding acoustic panels, and upgrading feeders. If you cannot reduce levels below 90 decibels, limit worker time in the barn and require double hearing protection.

Sudden Changes in Noise Levels

If you notice a sudden increase in noise, investigate immediately. A new rattle, squeal, or bang usually indicates a mechanical problem. A failing bearing, a loose fan blade, or a worn belt can cause a sudden noise increase. Fix the problem before it leads to equipment failure or animal injury.

Monitoring and Recordkeeping

Noise management is an ongoing process. Regular monitoring helps you track progress and catch problems early. Keep simple records of your measurements and actions.

Establishing a Monitoring Schedule

Measure noise levels at least quarterly. Do this at the same time of day and under similar conditions for consistency. Also measure after any major change, such as new fans, feeder modifications, or building renovations. Record the date, time, outdoor temperature, and which fans were running. This context helps you interpret the readings.

What to Record

For each measurement session, record the following:

Date and time
Outdoor temperature and weather conditions
Which ventilation fans were running and at what speed
Whether feeding was in progress
Noise readings at each measurement location
Any unusual noises or events

Keep a log of all noise related actions you take. Note what you changed, when you changed it, and the measured result. This log becomes your reference for future decisions.

Observing Pig Behavior

Noise measurements are only part of the picture. Watch your pigs for behavioral signs of noise stress. Pigs that are constantly startled may show these signs:

Huddling in corners
Excessive fighting or aggression
Reduced feed intake
Reluctance to approach the feeder
Increased vocalization
Nervousness when people enter the barn

If you see these signs and your noise measurements are elevated, take action. If the signs persist after you reduce noise, consult your veterinarian. There may be other stressors at play.

Worker Feedback

Talk to your employees about noise. They are in the barn every day and notice changes that you might miss. Ask them if the noise bothers them, if they have trouble communicating, and if they have ideas for improvement. Workers who feel heard are more likely to comply with hearing protection policies.

When to Call a Veterinarian or Extension Agent

Most noise problems are management issues that you can solve yourself. However, there are situations where professional help is warranted.

When to Call Your Veterinarian

Call your veterinarian if you see signs of noise stress that do not improve after you reduce noise levels. Persistent stress can indicate an underlying health problem. Your veterinarian can assess the herd for disease and recommend management changes.

Also call your veterinarian if you notice a sudden increase in aggressive behavior or fighting. While noise can cause aggression, so can overcrowding, feed formulation issues, and health problems. Your veterinarian can help you identify the root cause.

When to Call Your Extension Agent

Your local extension agent is a valuable resource for noise management. Extension agents can help you with the following:

Conducting a thorough noise assessment of your barn
Recommending specific equipment and materials
Connecting you with other producers who have solved similar problems
Providing information on cost sharing programs for farm improvements
Helping you design a new barn or major renovation with noise control in mind

Extension agents also have access to research and publications that can guide your decisions. They can help you interpret noise measurements and set realistic goals.

When to Call an Acoustic Consultant

For complex noise problems, you may need a professional acoustic consultant. This is most common for barns near residential areas where noise complaints are an issue. An acoustic consultant can model sound propagation and design a comprehensive noise control plan. This service is expensive, but it may be necessary to resolve legal disputes or comply with local ordinances.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a safe noise level for pigs in a barn?

Research suggests that sustained noise above 85 decibels can reduce feed intake and weight gain in pigs. The effects are most pronounced during the grow finish phase. Keep noise levels below 85 decibels in the animal areas whenever possible. For humans, the NIOSH recommended limit is 85 decibels as an 8 hour time weighted average. If your barn exceeds this, workers must use hearing protection.

How much does it cost to reduce noise in a swine barn?

The cost varies widely depending on the current conditions and the measures you take. Basic fan maintenance and feeder padding cost a few hundred dollars. Adding sound absorbing panels costs a few thousand dollars for a typical room. Replacing fans with quieter models costs more but also improves energy efficiency. Start with the low cost measures and measure your results before making larger investments.

Can noise affect pig growth rates?

Yes. Several studies have shown that pigs exposed to chronic noise above 85 decibels eat less and gain weight more slowly than pigs in quieter environments. The stress response triggered by loud noise diverts energy away from growth. Reducing noise can improve feed conversion and reduce days to market weight.

What is the loudest noise source in most swine barns?

In most mechanically ventilated barns, the ventilation fans are the loudest continuous noise source. A single large fan can produce 80 to 90 decibels at close range. When multiple fans run at full speed, the combined noise is substantial. Feeder impact noise and pig vocalizations can produce brief spikes that are even louder.

Do pigs get used to noise over time?

Pigs can habituate to constant background noise to some degree. However, sudden loud noises continue to trigger a stress response even in habituated pigs. The problem is that barn noise is not constant. Fans cycle on and off, feeders drop feed at intervals, and gates slam at unpredictable times. These unpredictable sounds prevent full habituation.

What kind of hearing protection should barn workers use?

Use earplugs or earmuffs with a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of at least 20 decibels. Foam earplugs are inexpensive and effective when inserted correctly. Earmuffs are easier to put on and take off but are bulkier. For workers in very loud areas above 95 decibels, use both earplugs and earmuffs for double protection. Train workers on proper insertion of earplugs.

Will reducing noise improve my pigs' feed conversion?

It can. Pigs that are not stressed by noise tend to eat more consistently and use feed more efficiently. The improvement varies by barn and by the severity of the noise problem. If your barn is above 85 decibels, reducing noise to below that level should produce measurable improvements in feed intake and growth.

How do I know if my barn is too noisy for workers?

Measure the noise levels with a sound level meter. If the 8 hour time weighted average is at or above 85 decibels, workers are at risk of hearing damage. You can also look for signs of hearing loss in long term workers, such as difficulty hearing conversations or a need to turn up the television volume. Provide hearing protection and implement a monitoring program.

Related Farming Guides

This section will be populated with links to related farming guides on pig housing, ventilation management, swine health, and worker safety. Check back for updates or browse the site for more resources on swine production.

Related Clinical & Scientific Guides

References

National Pork Board: https://www.pork.org/
USDA APHIS Swine Health: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/swine
FAO Pig Production: https://www.fao.org/pig-production-and-products/en/
FAO Animal Production and Health: https://www.fao.org/animal-production/en/
WOAH (World Organisation for Animal Health): https://www.woah.org/en/home/

This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, treatment, public-health guidance, or regulatory reporting.