Farm Animal Welfare

Pig Welfare in Cold Climate Housing

Pigs in cold climates require adequate housing and thermal management, with cold stress causing welfare harm through shivering, huddling, reduced activity and increased disease susceptibility.

Key Facts

Pigs have a lower critical temperature of around 20 degrees Celsius in groups
Newborn piglets require supplemental heat of 32-35 degrees in their creep area
Cold stress increases energy expenditure and reduces growth in growing pigs
Outdoor pigs require adequate dry bedding and shelter to avoid cold stress
Housing insulation and draught prevention are the primary management tools for cold weather

Welfare Considerations

Cold stress in pigs is often underappreciated compared to heat stress, but causes genuine welfare harm through shivering, huddling and reduced activity. Piglets are most vulnerable, but growing pigs and sows also experience cold stress in inadequately managed housing. Adequate insulation, appropriate bedding, draught-free design and supplementary heat for vulnerable pigs are the welfare foundations of cold-climate pig management.

What You Can Do

Support farms with well-insulated and draught-free pig housing
Advocate for thermal comfort requirements in pig housing welfare standards
Choose pork from farms demonstrating appropriate cold-weather management