In summer, high temperatures and humidity can significantly impact pig farming, leading to issues like heat stress, reduced feed intake, slower growth, and reproductive problems. To address these challenges, this article provides a comprehensive overview of feeding and management strategies for pig farms during the hot season. The following four key measures are recommended to ensure the health and productivity of the herd.
First, improving cooling systems is essential. During the summer, pigs need a cool, clean, and quiet environment. Pig farms should be designed with proper ventilation, ideally oriented north-south, and arranged in a stepped layout with at least 8 meters of spacing between buildings. Increasing green areas around the farm helps improve the local microclimate. Reducing the use of cement floors can lower ground temperature by up to 3–4°C and reduce heat radiation by as much as 80%.
Second, enhancing the pig house environment is crucial. This includes strengthening ventilation by clearing weeds, opening all doors, windows, and vents, and using fans and exhaust systems to increase air flow. Water-based cooling methods should be combined with good ventilation to avoid creating high humidity. Spraying water is effective in gestation and growing houses, while drip cooling works well for sows and breeding areas. Automated systems that spray every 30–45 minutes can boost feed intake by up to 20%. Shower cooling is suitable for fattening pigs and breeding areas, but care must be taken not to spray cold water directly on the head or shower boars within an hour of mating.
Third, modifying the structure of pig houses or installing sunshades can help reduce heat. Open designs are ideal for boar and sow houses, and materials like foam, hollow bricks, and slatted floors can improve insulation. Extending roof overhangs and using sunscreen panels on the roof and sides can block direct sunlight.
Fourth, using wet curtains or air conditioning can provide efficient cooling. Wet curtain systems can lower temperatures by 5–8°C in nursery and farrowing areas, while air conditioning is recommended for breeding and artificial insemination facilities.
In addition to environmental controls, feeding and management practices should be adjusted. Reducing stocking density by 1/4 to 1/3 helps prevent overcrowding, improves air quality, and reduces heat stress, especially for pregnant sows. Breeding and farrowing should be scheduled during cooler hours, avoiding the hottest months of July and August. Transfers, castrations, and vaccinations should be done early or late in the day. Long-distance transport should include cooling measures such as water sprays and drinking water access.
Sow delivery times should be postponed, and sows should be placed on cool beds a few days before giving birth. Administering chlorprostinol two days before expected farrowing can help shorten labor and reduce stillbirths. Regular cleaning and disinfection of sheds, along with mosquito and fly control, are also important.
Dietary adjustments are necessary to support performance under heat stress. Nursing sows should receive higher energy and protein, including 2–5% fat powder, 2% high-quality fish meal, and 0.1–0.2% lysine. Sows should consume 2.5–3.2 kg of feed four weeks before farrowing and up to 6 kg during peak lactation. Gilts should be given short-term feeding before mating to promote ovulation.
Pregnant sows should be fed low-energy, low-protein diets to avoid adverse effects on embryo development. Boars require specialized feed with added premium fishmeal or eggs to maintain fertility. For commercial pigs, high-quality ingredients and feed attractants can enhance intake and growth rates.
Feeding methods should also be adjusted. Using wet mix feed with a 1:1 water-to-feed ratio can increase intake by about 10%, while adding more green feed is beneficial for sows. Increasing night feeding, especially for lactating sows, and adjusting feeding times to avoid midday heat can help maintain performance.
Lastly, ensuring adequate and cool drinking water is vital. More drinkers should be installed, and their pressure should be maintained at 1.5 liters per minute for sows and 1 liter per minute for finishing pigs. Adding electrolytes like salt or baking soda to the water can help balance body fluids and reduce heat stress. Cool deep well water should be used, and pipes should be protected from sunlight. Drinking stations should be placed in shaded areas to keep water cool and encourage intake, especially for nursing sows and piglets.
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