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Heat Stress...Condition Critical? The extremely competitive hog market demands that producers take advantage of every beneficial tool available to stay profitable. Stress of any kind can be extremely detrimental to profitable production. Heat stress, in particular, can be a major cause of financial loss. Poor feed conversion, reduced feed intake, lower conception rates, early embryonic deaths, and even deaths of mature animals can result from too much heat stress. EDSTROM Industries is committed to providing cost effective solutions to this major industry wide problem.

Research has shown that sows, boars and finishing pigs begin to feel the negative effects of heat stress at about 20°C (68°F). As temperatures and humidity levels rise throughout the summer months, the resulting decrease in performance can result in tremendous economic loss for the producer (see the Heat Stress chart above which shows the critical temperature and humidity levels for swine). Swine are impacted in many ways by the stress caused by hot weather. Some of these are very visible and measurable, while other hidden complications may not be realized until weeks or even months have passed.

The main effects of heat stress in growing and finishing pigs include decreased feed intake and reduced feed efficiencies. As performance slips, so do profits. Delays in marketings can cause bottlenecks in production scheduling. Hogs that are sent to market at lighter weights in order to free up pen space receive a lower price, which compounds the impact to your bottom line.

Heat stress in boars will result in decreased sperm production and quality. The impact is long lasting, since it takes four to six weeks for the development and maturation of new sperm. This can cause major setbacks in breeding schedules and prevent efficient use of facilities as stocking rates fluctuate throughout the year.

In the sow, the impact of heat stress can be devastating. Temperatures above 27°C (80°F) will delay or even prevent the occurrence of estrous, reduce conception rates, and increase early embryonic death. Heat stress during the first 2 weeks post mating can reduce embryonic survival by 30% to 40%. Heat stress during the last few weeks prior to farrowing can result in reduced litter weights and a higher number of stillbirths. In lactating sows, heat stress will result in reduced feed intakes, lower milk production and increased weight loss.

Overall, minimizing the impact of heat stress can be one of the most important and economical management strategies that you undertake (Table 1 shows the optimum temperature for swine at different stages of production). EDSTROM Industries provides the necessary tools to help you manage this stress and help you maintain the production efficiencies that you need to remain competitive in today’s markets.