SYMPTOMS OF HEAT STRESS IN PIGS
Pigs are extremely sensitive to changes in temperature because they do not have functional sweat glands and, therefore, do not have a way of efficiently cooling themselves. In addition, pigs have relatively small lungs for their body size, making it difficult for them to remove excess internal heat.
Even during the hottest time of the day, pigs are still producing additional body heat from eating and moving around the barn,
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One of the symptoms or negative effects of heat stress is reduced feed intake. When pigs eat less, they convert less feed into muscle, thus reducing average daily gain (ADG) and potentially increasing their days to market. In turn, this can also lead to a heightened risk of health challenges and, ultimately, additional costs for producers.
Changes in carcass composition and quality
Delayed time to oestrus: Heat stress produces seasonal infertility in sows and decreases reproductive efficiency and increases weaning to estrus interval, further resulting in anoestrus.
Reduced pregnancy rates: This condition is due to poor semen quality of boar.
Reduced farrowing rates
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Increased respiratory rate (panting with mouth open)
they want to maintain contact with cooler surfaces (cement floor, wet surfaces, etc.)
Increase blood circulation. There is increase in blood circulation
Reduced activity. They stay in one place especially where they noticed is cold
Excessive water intake and increasing loss of electrolytes
Lying stretched on the floor, often separated from others.
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