Farm Animal Welfare

Pig Heat Stress Management: Welfare and Productivity

Heat stress in pigs causes significant suffering and production losses. Understanding and mitigating thermal stress is essential for pig welfare.

Key Facts

Pigs have no sweat glands and are highly susceptible to heat stress
Upper critical temperature for finishing pigs is approximately 25 degrees Celsius
Heat stress causes reduced feed intake, increased water consumption and lethargy
Pregnant sows are particularly vulnerable due to metabolic heat production
Evaporative cooling systems can reduce body temperature by 3-5 degrees
Heat stress increases cortisol levels and suppresses immune function

Welfare Considerations

Thermal comfort is a fundamental welfare need for pigs. Heat-stressed pigs experience chronic physiological stress affecting reproductive performance, immune function and growth. Housing design incorporating shade, ventilation and cooling are essential welfare provisions, not just productivity measures.

What You Can Do

Advocate for mandatory cooling systems in pig housing regulations
Support welfare standards that specify temperature limits for pig housing
Choose pork from producers with documented heat stress management plans
Encourage research into climate-resilient pig housing design