Outdoor Pig Welfare in Summer | Animal Welfare Hub

Outdoor pig systems have significant welfare advantages but summer management requires specific attention to heat stress, sunburn and water provision.

Key Facts

Pigs lack sweat glands and are highly susceptible to heat stress above 20 degrees C
Outdoor pigs in summer are at risk of sunburn, especially for lighter-skinned breeds
Wallows provide essential thermoregulation - pigs use mud to coat their skin and cool by evaporation
Water provision for outdoor pigs must be sufficient for drinking and wallowing in summer
Shade provision including arcs with deep straw and trees reduces heat stress significantly
Landrace and Large White crosses are more susceptible to sunburn than darker breeds
Outdoor pigs can graze, root and socialise freely - major welfare advantages over indoor systems

Welfare Considerations

Outdoor pig systems offer substantial welfare benefits but create specific summer welfare challenges. Heat stress in pigs is serious and can cause death as well as significant sublethal suffering. Adequate wallow provision and shade are not optional extras - they are essential welfare provisions in summer. The welfare advantages of outdoor systems are well worth preserving through good seasonal management.

What You Can Do

Support outdoor pig welfare through purchases from RSPCA Assured or organic certified pork
Choose pork from darker-pigmented breeds where available to reduce sunburn risk
Ask outdoor pig producers about their wallow, shade and water provision standards in summer
Support welfare standards requiring adequate summer wallow and shade provision for outdoor pigs