Farm Animal Welfare

Pig Welfare and Sow Heat Stress

Heat stress significantly reduces sow welfare and reproductive performance. Climate change is increasing heat stress frequency, making management interventions increasingly important.

Key Facts

Sows are particularly susceptible to heat stress due to high metabolic demands of lactation
Heat stress above 25 degrees Celsius reduces feed intake, milk production, and piglet growth
Cooling systems including evaporative pads and drinkers significantly reduce heat stress
Structural modifications including insulation and ventilation provide permanent welfare improvement
Climate change projections indicate increasing heat stress burden for pig farms in temperate regions

Welfare Considerations

Sow heat stress causes significant welfare harm and is becoming more frequent with climate change. Investment in cooling infrastructure protects welfare while also protecting reproductive performance.

What You Can Do

Support farms investing in heat stress mitigation for sows
Advocate for climate adaptation to be included in pig welfare planning
Learn about sow heat stress management approaches
Choose welfare-certified pork from farms with verified environmental management