swine heat stress
Swine Heat Stress
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this research project is to identify the effects of heat stress on swine. Heat stress is physiological distress caused by excessive temperatures usually over 80-85 degrees Fahrenheit that can result in profoundly adverse effects in swine production. The first phase of this project involves the analysis of these harmful effects on sows, gilts, and boars. Multiple journal articles will be used to establish these effects. The final phase involves demonstrating the different techniques practiced by swine producers to combat heat stress among their swine. By identifying the solutions, this research shows how heat stress can be effectively eliminated in swine. This allows for improved swine production, management, and ultimately increased profitability.
INTRODUCTION
Swine heat stress is the result of over-exposure to high temperatures. Swine have nonfunctional sweat glands, which means they have very limited self-cooling mechanisms, making over-heating a very common occurrence during warm periods. Heat stress is a severe issue, which results in annual losses to the swine industry that are estimated at $299 to $316 million. (St-Pierre, et al., 2003) This research project will examine the effects of heat stress upon sows, gilts, and boars. It will also discuss how these effects can be offset by proper herd management, sound structural utilization, and modified nutrition.
DISCUSSION
Sows, gilts, and boars are all types of swine who are common victims of heat stress. Each variety of swine is affected by heat in a different manner, but they are all equally detrimental to swine production and producer profits.
Effects of Heat Stress on Sows: For sows, heat stress can cause a myriad of problems, including failure to express estrous behavior, loss of pregnancy in the first 30 days, an increase in stillbirth numbers, and feed intake reduction. A common result of heat stress in sows is failure to express
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this research project is to identify the effects of heat stress on swine. Heat stress is physiological distress caused by excessive temperatures usually over 80-85 degrees Fahrenheit that can result in profoundly adverse effects in swine production. The first phase of this project involves the analysis of these harmful effects on sows, gilts, and boars. Multiple journal articles will be used to establish these effects. The final phase involves demonstrating the different techniques practiced by swine producers to combat heat stress among their swine. By identifying the solutions, this research shows how heat stress can be effectively eliminated in swine. This allows for improved swine production, management, and ultimately increased profitability.
INTRODUCTION
Swine heat stress is the result of over-exposure to high temperatures. Swine have nonfunctional sweat glands, which means they have very limited self-cooling mechanisms, making over-heating a very common occurrence during warm periods. Heat stress is a severe issue, which results in annual losses to the swine industry that are estimated at $299 to $316 million. (St-Pierre, et al., 2003) This research project will examine the effects of heat stress upon sows, gilts, and boars. It will also discuss how these effects can be offset by proper herd management, sound structural utilization, and modified nutrition.
DISCUSSION
Sows, gilts, and boars are all types of swine who are common victims of heat stress. Each variety of swine is affected by heat in a different manner, but they are all equally detrimental to swine production and producer profits.
Effects of Heat Stress on Sows: For sows, heat stress can cause a myriad of problems, including failure to express estrous behavior, loss of pregnancy in the first 30 days, an increase in stillbirth numbers, and feed intake reduction. A common result of heat stress in sows is failure to express
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