There’s nothing as “happy as a pig in mud.” Do you know why those pigs in the mud are so happy? It’s because they are cooling down! However, it’s fairly unlikely that you will find too many show pigs in mud. And that can be a serious issue.
Heat stress is a big deal. In fact, heat stress in pigs costs the U.S. swine industry more than $900 million annually.
Our team at BioZyme® is passionate about all show livestock, but we have a core group who are hog wild about their show pig projects. That’s why we created this educational blog. At Sure Champ®, we create products that support the health and well-being of show livestock.
Heat stress in pigs is more prevalent compared to many other show animals due to several factors. These factors combined make pigs especially vulnerable to heat stress, necessitating careful temperature management in their living environments. Let’s examine what leads to heat stress in pigs.
Factors that Cause Heat Stress in Pigs
Inefficient Cooling Mechanisms
Pigs have very few functional sweat glands, so they cannot sweat to cool themselves like humans or other animals such as horses. Pigs rely on open-mouth breathing, like panting, to release their heat. However, unlike dogs, pigs are less efficient at regulating their body temperature through panting.
Overall Body Size & Structure
Pigs generally have a high body mass relative to their surface area. This means they generate a significant amount of metabolic heat but have a limited surface area through which they can dispel that heat. Pigs also have relatively thick skin and a layer of fat under their skin, which serves as insulation. While beneficial in cold environments, this fat traps heat in warm conditions, making it harder for pigs to dissipate heat.
Low Activity of Thermoregulatory Behavior
While some animals instinctively seek out water, mud or cooler areas, pigs rely more on external cooling methods. They rely on people to provide water or shade. Since exhibitors tend to house show pigs indoors, they need people to ensure that fans are on them and working.
Sensitive to High Humidity
Pigs are particularly sensitive to heat stress in humid environments, as high humidity decreases the effectiveness of their already limited ability to dissipate heat through respiratory means.
Preventing Heat Stress in Pigs
At Sure Champ, we always prefer prevention over treatment. Preventing heat stress in pigs is fundamental for pigs’ health, well-being and performance, especially during hot weather. Remember, pigs will experience heat stress any time the temperatures reach 80 degrees hotter.
We offer several strategies to help prevent heat stress in pigs.
Provide Proper Shade & Ventilation
Ensure your pigs are kept in a temperature-controlled environment. Keep your barns and pens well-ventilated. Use multiple fans, and if possible, design the space for natural air circulation. Make sure air is not stagnant. We recommend exhaust fans to move air out of the building.
Water Availability
Make certain pigs have continuous access to clean, cool drinking water. Increased water intake is critical during hot weather to help regulate their body temperature. Pigs, like all animals, appreciate fresh drinking water.
In addition to providing drinking water to ensure hydration, you should supply misters or sprinklers to help pigs cool down through evaporation. Ensure these systems do not make the pen excessively wet, which could skin and hair challenges.
Adjust Feeding Practices
Feed during the early morning or late evening when temperatures are lower. Pigs generate heat as they digest food, so feeding them during cooler times reduces the risk of heat stress. It is best to feed your show pigs 12 hours apart, so feed at 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., to beat the heat.
Minimize Handling & Transport During Heat
Avoid transporting or exercising pigs during the hottest part of the day. When showing pigs, make sure you have plenty of cooling towels and sprayers filled with cold water. Equip your trailers with fans and if needed, place ice in the trailer pens, if you are traveling when it is excessively hot.
Monitor & Identify Early Signs of Heat Stress
Panting, increased respiratory rate, open-mouth breathing, lethargy and reduced feed intake are indicators that pigs are overheating. If you notice these signs, take immediate action. Rinse your pigs, add fans to their pens or reduce their activity level.
Sure Champ Can Help
Sure Champ is a line of products that supports the health and well-being of show livestock. Sure Champ products are powered by AO-Biotics® Amaferm®, a prebiotic research-proven to enhance digestibility. Sure Champ products help keep your animal healthy and performing by enhancing their digestive system.
Since 70% of the immune response occurs in the gut, ensuring your animal’s digestive system is healthy can help keep the rest of them healthy, too.
We have created two Sure Champ supplements especially to help mitigate heat stress:
Sure Champ® Extreme with ClariFly®
Sure Champ Extreme with ClariFly is a pelleted, daily supplement for show livestock with ClariFly designed to support hoof health, hair coat, and performance when temperatures are above 70 degrees. Designed for all species, it contains Amaferm and MOS to help normalize gut microflora and support the immune system. It also contains HEAT technology, a combination of essential oils, garlic and ClariFly to support animals when heat and insects are a challenge.
Sure Champ® Climate Control Gel
Sure Champ Climate Control Gel is a gel for all livestock designed to support digestive health and recovery when temperatures are above 70 degrees. Formerly known as Vita Charge Climate Control, this gel contains Amaferm and HEAT technology, a combination of essential oils, to support animals when heat is a challenge. It promotes appetite and water intake.
Both of these Sure Champ products work great for show pigs. The Sure Champ Extreme is best when fed daily. The Climate Control Gel works if you’re in a situation when your pig is experiencing heat stress or might be getting too hot.
Get Your Sure Champ Today
Mitigate heat stress in pigs before it starts. Although a pig in mud is happy, so is a regularly rinsed pig that has fans blowing on it and gets its daily dose of Sure Champ!
You can get your Sure Champ products as easily as ordering online today.
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