Managing pigs on small swine farms during spring and summer involves several key considerations to ensure the well-being of the animals and optimize farm operations. Here are some tips for managing pigs during these seasons.
Changing temperatures, along with humidity and weather patterns throughout the spring and summer mean that pigs need reliable shelter. Some shelter should be provided during cooler nights and extreme weather events, but also shade from the sun since pigs do not have usable sweat glands. The housing should be sturdy and withstand the weather, as well as the daily wear and tear of use. Consider that some bedding may contribute to holding in heat rather than making the pig more comfortable. Use the animal's behavior to guide whether to reduce bedding or leave it in place.
Water and feed should always be available for the pigs as they grow and adapt to the warmer weather. Water should be clean and accessible all the time. Pigs will increase their water consumption as it gets warmer. Be cautious when feeding pigs during the daytime heat; most pigs will consume feed rations in the morning or at night when it is cooler. Be sure to have feed available for the pigs during those times to decrease the risk of having lower feed consumption and, in turn, losing weight within your herd.
Conduct regular health checks as the temperatures rise to stay ahead of any emerging health issues. Heat stress can quickly become critical with pigs since they are prone to sunburn and cannot sweat like most livestock. Signs of heat stress include heavy panting, gaping mouth, lethargy, refusal to eat, red patches of skin, and difficulty moving. A vet should be called if this persists for a lengthy time; however, getting the pigs into a shady spot and getting water in them and on their underbelly as soon as possible should start relieving some of the symptoms.
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Categories: Michigan, Livestock, Hogs, Weather