Farm Animals

Pig Welfare and Climate Change Adaptation

Climate change is creating new welfare challenges for pig production through heat stress, feed price volatility and extreme weather events requiring adaptive management.

Key Facts

Average temperatures on UK pig farms have increased 1.5 degrees Celsius since 1990
Heat stress in pigs occurs above 25 degrees in indoor systems with inadequate ventilation
Extreme rainfall events cause flooding of outdoor pig farms with direct welfare consequences
Feed ingredient price volatility from climate events affects pig nutrition and welfare management
Carbon footprint reduction in pig production requires welfare-compatible changes to feed and management

Welfare Considerations

Climate change adaptation in pig production must integrate welfare considerations. Cooling investment, emergency planning and feed security all require proactive management to prevent climate-related welfare deterioration.

What You Can Do

Support farms investing in climate-adaptive welfare management including cooling systems
Advocate for climate adaptation plans that include livestock welfare requirements
Engage with research on climate-smart pig production that maintains high welfare standards