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Protect your sows against heat stress
During the summer months, sows, particularly those who are pregnant or nursing, can experience distressing heat. Maintaining their comfort is crucial since sows prefer a temperature around 22 degrees Celsius, while newborn piglets require a warmer 35 to 37 degrees Celsius environment.
Implementing proactive strategies ensures their well-being and productivity.
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Ensuring health and productivity despite heat stress
Heat stress poses a significant challenge for pigs and farmers, impacting the well-being and the pig production efficiency. Pigs are unable to sweat and struggle to regulate their body temperature in hot weather. This leads to increased respiratory rates and decreased appetite, affecting milk production and piglet growth.
Addressing heat stress is vital to maintain sow fertility and strengthen their immune systems, reducing disease susceptibility and mortality risks. Implementing proactive strategies ensures optimal sow health and productivity throughout the year.
What are the symptoms of heat stress?
Sows display various signals of heatstress. The sows may suddenly lie down to cool themselves on the stable floor, risking accidental piglet crushing. The heat can lead to a reduced milk production and lower milk quality, which can impact piglet health and even lead to piglet diarrhea. An additional indicator can be that pigs play more with water or the higher-ranking animals lie down under drinking troughs to cool down with dripping water.
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- Decreased milk quantity and quality
- Feed intake decreases
- Panting
- No oestrus
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Fertility problems
The 3 steps to prevent heat stress
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Effective cooling
Cooling with water and advanced ventilation are very helpful in cooling down the sow during hotter conditions. It's particularly important to monitor the microclimate in the farrowing barn, as piglets require significantly higher temperatures shortly after birth compared to the sow.:format(webp))
Frequently Asked Questions by farmers
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