Effects of moderate, artificially induced atrophic rhinitis symptoms on level and changes in heat production and activity were determined in pigs kept under different climatic conditions. Eight groups of 30 pigs each, housed in one of two climatically controlled respiration chambers, were exposed to a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments: challenged with 0 or 13 micrograms of Pasteurella multocida toxin (Pm-T)/mL, and two climatic environments (good: 25 degrees C, or adverse: 15 degrees C with draught periods). The Pm-T challenge reduced (P < .05) day averages of total (HP) and activity-related heat production (Har). The response to Pm-T treatment was similar in both climatic environments. Differences in the heat production and activity caused by the climatic treatment declined (P < .001) with time and acclimation to the environment. Analyses of HP, Har, and activity-free heat production in 12 2-h periods showed a biphasic activity rhythm. Both treatments affected (P < .05) level of HP and Har in several of the 2-h periods, but the biphasic rhythm was not altered. Day averages of Har showed a disposition to be differently affected (P < .068) by Pm-T challenge in the climatic treatments dependent on duration of exposure. This interaction effect (P < .001) seemed to originate from the periods between 1500 and 2100. Therefore, it might be wise to distinguish between overall effects (day means) on total, activity-related, and activity-free heat production and effects within a day (e.g., 2-h means). Treatment with Pm-T seemed to suppress the general well-being of pigs, reducing pigs' activity and food intake.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)