As temperatures reach all-time highs in some parts of the country, it’s an important time to take proper precautions to avoid heat stress in your barn.
Pigs are more susceptible to heat stress than other animals because they can’t sweat. In addition, the pig’s relatively small lung capacity does not allow it to effectively control its internal temperature by panting during significant heat exposure. In addition, as hogs get heavier, the increasing fat layer insulated the pig and can make it more difficult for the pig to cool down.
“Traditionally, wallowing in mud was the pig’s most effective means of controlling heat. This isn’t possible with modern production practices so we must rely on the facilities to keep pigs cool and comfortable,” says Brent Sexton, DVM, The Maschhoffs.
Pigs begin to experience the impacts of elevated temperatures as early as 70° Fahrenheit, Sexton says.
“As the temperature climbs, the pigs’ respiration rate increases and they may start actively panting. When barn temperatures climb into the 80’s, pigs may start eating less and adjust their eating patterns, consuming more feed at night,” he adds.
These changes can potentially contribute to health issues like hemorrhagic bowel disease and ulcers. Other signs of heat stress include lethargy, open mouth breathing, discomfort, blotchy skin and poor production performance. If severe heat stress occurs, pigs can die rapidly from heat exhaustion.
To reduce the impact of heat stress on growing hogs, Sexton advises taking a multifaceted approach to mitigate heat and deal with the heat stress that does arise.
1. Water
Water is crucial, especially when temperatures increase. Cool water helps reduce the pig’s internal body temperature, as well as replace water lost from elevated respiration during periods of heat stress. Provide market hogs with plenty of access to water. Ideally, there should be one drinker space for every 15 market hogs, and there should always be at least two water sources in each pen, Sexton advises. Check drinkers daily for adequate water flow. Ideally, growing/finishing pigs will have access to water with a flow rate of 2-3 cups per minute.
2. Ventilation
Ventilation is the most effective tool available to producers, he says. In general, the more air you move, the better. Air movement allows air from outside the barn to replace the hot, humid air inside the barn. This is helpful to the pig, even with extreme outside temperatures. Circulating fans can help move air within a barn, removing heat from the hogs. Circulating fans should be used in addition to proper ventilation, not in place of it, Sexton points out.
3. Sprinklers
Sprinklers are another tool to manage heat stress. Sprinklers should be inspected often as they are notorious for clogging, he says. To maximize the evaporative cooling effects of the sprinklers, the pens should be dry before the sprinkler turns back on again, he says. Sometimes issues arise because the sprinklers are set on a timer and they may shut off before the water reaches the end of the waterline. This means that the sprinklers in some pens may never release any water.
4. Cool Cells
Cool cells are more common in sow units but can be found in finishing barns. The water in the cool cell reduces the air temperature by evaporative cooling. The hot outside air is pulled through the cool cell and the cool air enters the barn. These can successfully drop the air temperature by 20° or more.
5. Emergency Ventilation Equipment
Don’t forget the most important step in reducing the risk of heat stress is to have emergency ventilation equipment in proper working order. Test alarms, back-up generators and emergency curtain drops on a regular basis to make sure they work properly.
Heat stress poses a significant threat to swine operations when temperatures rise. Preparing your barn is the first step to protect your herd this season.
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