Pigs In Summer
We all love Summer, providing we, as humans take the necessary precautions; sun hat, sun screen, shade and keeping hydrated. The requirements are not that dissimilar for our beloved pigs. The Summer months bring the hot weather which can affect the growth on our fattening pigs as it suppresses their appetite. Hot weather can also reduce farrowing numbers by as much as 25%. Not forgetting it can be detrimental to the production of sperm and working ability of our boars. There are many things that we can do to help our pigs enjoy the summer months here are some pointers to help both you and your pigs have a stress free and enjoyable summer. 1. Water Ensure that all drinkers are free from debris, is clean and fresh and there is a regular supply at all times. For those of us that bring in our sows for farrowing ensure again there is sufficient drinkers in place and ensure that they are flushed to clean out the pipes before offering it as drinking water. You wouldn’t drink out of an old mug that you had found in the greenhouse which had been left for several weeks.
2. Ventilation Again, for those of us who bring our sows inside for farrowing. Fans are a nice way of cooling the sow and ensuring air flow is distributed evenly, but do ensure that they are cleaned and check that wires have not become threadbare and are securely fixed in place.
Painting your pig arks white will be a welcome, as this will reflect the sunlight and reduce the heat by 4 degrees, which if accommodating a sow with weaners will be greatly appreciated. Insulation in the pig arks is an added bonus and those of us who use farrowing arks that have a back door/vent do open this as this will create a through breeze.
