Farm Animals

Farmed Pig Welfare in Hot Climates

Managing pig welfare in tropical and subtropical farming systems where heat stress is a major challenge.

Key Facts

Pigs lack functional sweat glands and are highly susceptible to heat stress
Wallowing in mud or water is an essential thermoregulatory behaviour
Sprinkler systems and shade significantly reduce heat stress in outdoor pigs
High temperatures reduce feed intake, growth, and reproductive performance
Climate change is expanding the geographic range of heat stress risk in pig farming

Welfare Considerations

Heat stress causes significant acute suffering in pigs and is a growing welfare challenge as global temperatures rise and pig farming expands into tropical regions.

What You Can Do

Support development of heat stress management guidelines for tropical pig farming
Advocate for shade and cooling requirements in pig welfare standards
Encourage adaptation of pig housing design to future climate conditions