Prepare your pigs for the warmer weather

Supporting Farmgate Feeds as Pig Technical & Commercial Advisor, Sam Bradley shares her tips and advice on how to reduce heat stress with pigs and the signs to look out for this summer.

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As unpredictable as our summer weather may be, it’s vital that during the warmer months, or if like last year, incredibly hot days, we pay particular attention to our pigs.

Hot summers can be unpleasant for pigs, they feel the heat just as we do, but as they don’t have any sweat glands, they’re unable to sweat to help keep cool and regulate a normal body temperature. This can lead to heat stress which in turn can significantly affect your pig’s performance and growth.

The UK has a humid climate and when combined with the warmer summer months even in temperatures of 25°C pigs can quickly succumb to heat stress.

Any sudden extreme rises in the temperature can lead to acute heat stress. In some cases, this can be life threatening, particularly for mature pigs, finishers and developing gilts.

What to look out for

The main indicators that your pigs may be suffering from heat stress include:

• Respiration increases in intensity (panting)
• Lethargy when moving 
• Reduced appetite 
• Reduced milk production in lactating sows 
• Weight loss
• Diarrhoea 
• Increased water consumption