Overview of heat stress management in pigs in tropical and hot climate production systems.
Pig heat stress is a growing welfare crisis as climate change extends high-temperature conditions globally. Pigs cannot sweat and rely on behavioural cooling and respiration, making them particularly vulnerable. Heat stress causes suffering, reduced welfare, and significant production losses. Management responses including ventilation, cooling systems, and adapted feeding programmes reduce but do not eliminate heat stress welfare impacts. Building welfare-compatible housing for warming climates is an urgent priority.