Livestock

Cold Stress in Pigs: Welfare Management in Winter

How cold temperatures affect pig welfare and what management mitigates winter stress.

Key Facts

Piglets have minimal fat reserves and are extremely vulnerable to cold in the first days
Shivering and huddling behaviour indicate thermal discomfort in older pigs
Lower critical temperature for finishing pigs is around 10-12 degrees C without bedding
Deep straw bedding is one of the most effective welfare interventions in winter

Welfare Considerations

Cold stress in pigs causes chronic welfare compromise through increased energy demands for thermoregulation, huddling-related injuries, and suppressed immune function. Welfare-focused winter management provides deep straw bedding, reduces draughts, and ensures sufficient food to support thermoregulatory demands. Creep heaters for newborn piglets are essential welfare provisions.

What You Can Do

Provide deep straw bedding for outdoor and indoor pigs during cold periods
Ensure heat lamps or creep heaters are functional before farrowing in cold weather
Increase feed provision to compensate for elevated thermoregulatory energy costs in cold spells