Farm Animals

Pig Welfare in Extreme Heat: Climate Adaptation

As global temperatures rise, thermal stress in pigs is becoming a more frequent and severe welfare and production challenge requiring adaptation.

Key Facts

Pigs have limited thermoregulatory capacity due to few functional sweat glands
Temperatures above 25C cause measurable stress responses in pigs, with serious welfare effects above 30C
Heat stress reduces feed intake, reproductive performance, and growth, with significant welfare consequences
Cooling strategies including sprinklers, shade, ventilation, and reduced stocking density mitigate heat stress

Welfare Considerations

Thermal stress is an increasing welfare challenge for pigs in both tropical and temperate regions as climate change extends periods of extreme heat. Adaptation planning for pig production systems must prioritise animal welfare alongside production efficiency.

What You Can Do

Support research into heat stress mitigation strategies for pig production
Advocate for climate adaptation planning that includes livestock welfare provisions
Engage with pork producers in regions facing increasing heat stress about their adaptation strategies