Farm Animals

Farmed Pig Heat Stress and Tropical Climates

Pigs are particularly susceptible to heat stress and farming them in tropical climates without adequate cooling causes significant welfare harm.

Key Facts

Pigs lack functional sweat glands and rely on wallowing and panting to regulate temperature
Heat stress above 28 degrees C reduces feed intake and causes physiological distress
Mortality from heat stress is recorded in poorly ventilated intensive systems in hot climates
Wallowing in mud or water is the primary natural thermoregulatory behaviour
Evaporative cooling systems and shade provision significantly reduce heat stress indicators

Welfare Considerations

Pigs farmed in tropical climates without wallowing access, shade, or cooling infrastructure suffer chronically from heat stress. This causes reduced immunity, poor welfare, and increased mortality. Welfare standards in tropical pig farming must specifically address thermoregulation as a core requirement.

What You Can Do

Support welfare standards requiring cooling provision in tropical pig farming
Advocate for shade and wallowing access in all outdoor pig systems
Choose pork from producers with documented heat stress management plans