Pigs farmed in tropical climates face heat stress welfare challenges that require specific housing design, management, and genetic adaptations.
Heat stress is a pervasive welfare problem in tropical pig production that goes beyond discomfort to cause physiological suffering. Pigs in inadequately cooled tropical environments show elevated respiratory rates, reduced feed intake, and systemic inflammatory responses. The welfare investment in shade, water sprinklers, and appropriate breed selection for tropical conditions is both a welfare and productivity imperative. Traditional local breeds often offer better welfare outcomes in heat-stressed environments than European high-output breeds.