AMES, Iowa – Swine producers have new resources available from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach to mitigate summer heat stress. “Heat Stress in Swine Production: Breeding Herd Considerations” and “Heat Stress in Swine Production: Basic Research” are available for download from the ISU Extension Store.
Researchers have estimated that heat stress costs the U.S. pork industry over $520 million annually in economic losses. By incorporating practices that reduce heat stress, swine producers can maintain animal feed intake and efficiency during periods with warmer temperatures.
“Heat stress causes pigs to focus on survival instead of growth or reproduction,” states Mark Storlie, ISU swine extension specialist and author of the publications. “Minimizing heat stress can improve performance and productivity, positively impacting a pork producer’s bottom line.”
The first publication, “Heat Stress in Swine Production: Breeding Herd Considerations,” emphasizes strategies to minimize stress in sow breeding herds and the effects on reproductive productivity. It includes tools for identifying heat stress, new research on the ideal ambient temperature range for sows and boars, basic ventilation design, and additional heat mitigation options.
The second publication, “Heat Stress in Swine Production: Basic Research,” summarizes the findings from a research trial conducted by Tori Rudolph, former graduate student at Iowa State University. The trial found that heat stress affects gilts and barrows differently through observed biological changes, alterations in skeletal muscle, and hematological parameters.
For more information, access the publications or contact Mark Storlie at mstorlie@iastate.edu.
