- Article
- Swine
- Management
- Stress
- Performance
Beat the Heat: Enhance Swine Welfare and Boost Production this Summer
As temperatures rise, the health, productivity, and reproductive success of your pigs hang in the balance. When it comes to swine management, heat stress is a real threat even at temperatures as low as 23°C with over 75% humidity. Take proactive steps now to keep your pigs cool, healthy, and thriving.
Why heat stress is a hot topic
Hot days transform pig behavior: less eating, more drinking, and sluggish activity. This dip in nutrition weakens immune systems, leaving pigs susceptible to infections. Moreover, high temperatures hike up metabolic rates, diverting energy from growth to cooling, ultimately slowing weight gain and delaying market readiness.
Reproduction isn’t spared either. Heat-stressed sows face disruptions in their estrous cycles, complicating heat detection and conception. Meanwhile, boars suffer from reduced libido and semen quality issues that ripple through breeding programs and genetic progress.
Be proactive: maintenance is a must
An efficient farm begins with well-maintained systems. Ensure ventilation, cooling, and water systems are in top shape. Dust buildup can drastically cut air circulation efficiency, hiking energy usage by over 30%. Keep sprinklers and water lines clean and functional to maintain optimal barn temperatures and safeguard animal health. Want an extra boost? Reducing stocking density promotes a healthier barn environment and enhances overall well-being.

Liquid supplements: your summer sidekick
Combatting the heat? Special feed additives, including liquid vitamins, are lifesavers. These supplements can counteract reduced feed intake, thus maintaining pig health and performance. Nutritional supplementation through drinking water boasts precise dosage, uniform distribution, minimal waste, and optimized intake. And, with their adjustability, you can tailor them to your pigs’ nutritional needs at any life stage.
Harness the power of enzymes
Enzymes are allies in the heat battle. When used alone or combined, they synergistically improve swine health and production. Check out these enzyme superheroes:
- Xylanase: breaks down complex carbs in plant cell walls, unlocking energy from grains like wheat, barley, and corn.
- Beta-mannanase: works with xylanase to optimize energy from ingredients like soybean and palm kernel meal, key during heat-induced feed reductions.
- Protease: splits long proteins into smaller chains, improving protein digestion while curbing heat production. Economically, it lowers feed costs; performance-wise, it fosters growth and gut health.

In Conclusion
Mastering heat stress management is all about smart feeding strategies. By leveraging liquid supplements and enzymes, you can counteract reduced feed intake and promote robust health and performance. This proactive, synergistic approach ensures your herd remains healthy and productive, no matter how high the mercury rises. Stay ahead of the heat with these effective strategies—because every degree counts.