Farm Animal Welfare

Pig Welfare and Climate Resilience

How changing climate conditions affect pig welfare and what producers can do to protect their herds.

Key Facts

Heat stress impairs pig growth, reproduction, and immune function above 25 degrees C
Evaporative cooling and shade provision are key interventions for warm climates
Climate resilience planning should integrate welfare indicators alongside productivity metrics
Genetic selection for heat tolerance is emerging as a long-term adaptation strategy

Welfare Considerations

Pigs are highly sensitive to heat stress, and warming climates threaten welfare across global pig-producing regions. Proactive adaptation - including housing design, cooling technology, and breed selection - can substantially reduce heat-related suffering.

What You Can Do

Support producers implementing climate-adaptive welfare measures
Advocate for including welfare indicators in climate resilience frameworks
Choose pork from producers with transparent heat stress management policies