11 Essential Tips for Preventing Pig Heat Stress During Transport

During the summer months, it's important to take extra precautions when transporting pigs to minimize the risk of heat stress. High temperatures can cause injury and even death among these animals. By following a few simple steps, you can help keep pigs cool and comfortable during transport.

1. Choose the Right Time: Schedule transportation during the early morning or evenings when temperatures are cooler, avoiding the hottest part of the day.
2. Improve Ventilation: Open nose vents and unplug ventilation slots to allow for better airflow within the transport vehicle.
3. Minimize Stress: Be gentle during loading and avoid loud noises that can stress the pigs. Load them in small groups, ensuring they are not showing signs of fatigue.
4. Provide Ample Space: Maintain proper pig density, allowing each pig enough floor space. For 300-pound pigs, aim for 5-6 square feet per pig.
5. Adjust Bedding: Reduce the amount of bedding in hot weather, using wood chips instead of straw, which retains more heat.
6. Limit Loading and Unloading Time: Keep these processes as short as possible to prevent heat buildup inside the vehicle.
7. Spray Pigs: If temperatures exceed 80 degrees, use larger water droplets to spray the pigs during or after loading. This helps them cool down through evaporation.
8. Ensure Proper Ventilation: Maintain airflow by keeping the truck moving, especially in hot and humid conditions. Avoid unnecessary stops.
9. Coordinate with the Destination: Inform the destination in advance and ensure they are ready to receive the pigs promptly.
10. Have a Backup Plan: Prepare for unexpected circumstances such as rerouting, accidents, or traffic delays.
11. Emergency Cooling: In case of breakdown or extreme heat conditions, find a shaded area and wet the pigs to cool them down. If necessary, contact local authorities for assistance.

By implementing these easy and cost-effective measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of heat stress during pig transport, ensuring the welfare and safety of these animals in hot weather.

Photo Credit: istock-srdjan-stepic