Heat stress is a significant welfare issue for pigs in warmer climates and during summer heat events. Understanding pig thermal biology enables effective mitigation.
Pigs in temperatures exceeding their thermoneutral zone experience both physiological stress and behavioral frustration - they are highly motivated to wallow but often lack the opportunity. Heat stress causes suffering through hyperthermia, reduced comfort, and reproductive failure in sows. Providing effective cooling through ventilation, shade, and water access prevents this preventable suffering.