Farm Animal Welfare

Pig Outdoor System Welfare in Summer

Outdoor pig systems offer many welfare benefits but require careful summer management to prevent heat stress and sunburn.

Key Facts

Pigs lack sweat glands and rely on wallowing, shade, and respiration for cooling
Heat stress in pigs reduces feed intake, growth, and reproductive performance
Sunburn in pink-skinned pig breeds can be severe without shelter provision
Wallowing not only cools pigs but provides skin protection and enrichment
Stocking density and shelter adequacy directly determine heat stress risk outdoors

Welfare Considerations

Outdoor systems can represent a significant welfare improvement over indoor intensive housing, but only when summer heat is properly managed. Adequate shade, wallowing facilities, and appropriate stocking density are non-negotiable.

What You Can Do

Support outdoor pig welfare standards that include shade and wallow requirements
Choose outdoor-bred pork products from certified farms
Advocate for heat stress to be monitored as a welfare indicator in outdoor systems