Prolonged exposure to sun and heat can result in stressed pigs and reduced performance. Just like when going on a hot holiday, think shade, hydration and sun block!
Heat stress must be avoided in order to prevent unnecessary suffering and
reduced productivity. Pigs subjected to high temperatures will have reduced
growth rates (by up to 50g/day) and in the breeding herd farrowing rates could
decline by as much as 25%.
Action for Productivity sheets 3 and 4 provide advice
on keeping your pigs cool, whether they are inside or outside, including wallow
management.
Action
for Productivity sheet 39 provides more specific advice for heat stress in
boars. Remember, boar fertility accounts for 50% of his progeny's genetics, but
potentially 100% of output as poor quality semen affects both conception
and litter size.