The extreme cold temperatures and winter weather conditions continue to pose challenges for livestock producers across the country. Although it’s more apparent in its effect on cattle and other livestock species living outdoors, it also poses challenges for hogs in confinement.
“Even in confinement facilities, it is very difficult to try to maintain conditions. These are very extreme conditions and now we’re seeing rolling blackouts in the plains so you can have facilities if they don’t have generator support, lose power. There’s a lot of problems in transportation, hauling feed, hauling animals, a lot of problems right now stressing the industry,” says Arlan Suderman, chief commodities economist at INTL FCStone.
Although most pigs are housed in climate-controlled barns today, never take your pigs’ comfort for granted, advises Jeff Galle, professor of agribusiness management at Illinois College. Watch for changes in your pigs’ routine or behavior to know if the cold temperatures are taking a toll.
1. Check your water supply.
This is the time of year when things that have never been frozen before freeze, Galle says. Don’t assume they have water until you reach up and touch the waterer to know there is water flowing. If you do have water lines that freeze, part of the secret of rehydrating pigs is to do it slowly, he says. Administer water little by little. Pay close attention to watering systems with electric heaters as they pose the risk of stray voltage and shorts. Watch the pig walk to the waterer or drinker, if they squeal or flinch, you have a problem to fix fast.
2. Keep pens clean and dry.
Pigs actually perform well when the temperature drops, as long as they have reliable access to a warm, dry shelter to rest. Bedding is only good if it’s dry, Galle says. During extremely cold weather, wet bedding is very detrimental so keep your pens clean and provide extra bedding if needed.
3. Put up windbreaks where needed.
Do whatever you can to stop any drafts coming into your buildings. When temperatures drop, consider using a plastic tarp or sheet of plywood to prevent drafts.
“A draft, even a small draft, can chill the pig and change the ambient temperature of the pig,” Galle says. “Even though the farrowing house thermometer says 70 degrees, if they are laying in a draft, it may feel like 62. Remember when they are born, they just came out of a 102-degree incubator.”
4. Check your ventilation system.
South Dakota State University Extension Swine Specialist Dr. Bob Thaler says it’s critical that hogs in confinement receive fresh ventilation.
Don’t forget to do a thorough check of your ventilation system. Fans, louvers and cowlings should be cleaned to remove dust buildup. Also, make sure thermostat settings are accurate. Brush air inlets. such as gable and soffit vents, to prevent blockage. Check pit fans to ensure that they are operating properly.
“One common mistake with winter ventilation is that producers sometimes keep the barns ‘too tight’ and don’t bring in enough cold dry air to exhaust excess moisture. Pigs will be better off a little cooler and dry than warmer, but too humid,” Thaler says.
5. Take care of you, too.
Not only is it critical to protect the animals in these harsh weather conditions, but Thaler reminds producers to take care of themselves, too, with the subzero temperatures and dangerous wind chills.
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