I think we are all aware of the fact that it is hot outside. The heat is not only stressful to plants trying to establish themselves in the 2021 growing season, but also for livestock. Producers are having to do all they can to make sure the welfare of their livestock is met.
Your hogs are no different than you are, they are not fans of sweltering days. However, many hog buildings have mechanisms that allow producers to be able to adapt to the outside temps and keep the pigs cool and stress-free. Dr. Chris Hostetler is the Director of Animal Science at the National Pork Board. He reminds producers that hogs will back off of their feed consumption, which can be a challenge to growth.
Watch the eating patterns in hogs. If you start to notice changes in the times of day that they are eating, it is a good indicator that your animals need to be more comfortable.
Dr. Hostetler says that pigs will give you many signs that they are becoming heat stressed. It is just a matter of knowing what to look for. It is more than just labored breathing.
He also stresses the importance of heat management to 4-H & FFA members who are showing their hogs. There are a few tips to get your animals safely through shows.
For more information on the National Pork Board and education from your checkoff dollars, log on to porkcheckoff.org.
