Outdoor Pig Welfare in Summer | Animal Welfare Hub

Key Facts

Pigs cannot sweat and rely on wallowing and shade for thermoregulation
Outdoor pigs without access to mud wallows or shade can experience severe heat stress above 25 degrees C
Pink-skinned pigs including commercial breeds are susceptible to sunburn
Mud wallows provide both thermoregulation and skin protection against sunburn and biting insects
Water provision in outdoor systems must increase significantly during hot weather
Shade structures and wooded areas significantly reduce heat burden in outdoor pig systems

Welfare Considerations

Outdoor pig systems provide significant welfare advantages over indoor confinement, but summer heat management is an area where additional welfare investment is essential. Pigs in open fields without adequate shade, wallowing opportunities, and supplementary water provision can experience acute heat stress that causes significant suffering and potentially death in extreme weather. The natural thermoregulatory behavior of pigs — wallowing in mud — is both a welfare right that outdoor systems should facilitate and a practical necessity in hot conditions. Welfare-conscious outdoor pig management anticipates seasonal challenges and prepares accordingly.

What You Can Do

Ensure outdoor pigs have continuous access to shade and mud wallowing areas throughout summer
Increase water provision in outdoor systems during hot weather to prevent dehydration
Check pigs for sunburn and provide additional shelter or shade if pink skin is exposed to direct sun
Plan grazing rotation to ensure shade availability across all paddocks used in summer months
Monitor pigs for signs of heat stress including open-mouth breathing and reduced activity during hot days