A major challenge in pig farming in the face of high temperatures
Increasingly frequent heatwaves represent a major risk factor in pig farming. Pigs are particularly sensitive to heat stress due to specific physiological characteristics: the absence of functional sweat glands severely limits their ability to dissipate heat through evaporation, while their high metabolism increases endogenous heat production.
This combination leads to an imbalance in thermoregulation mechanisms as soon as ambient temperature exceeds the thermal comfort zone, quickly exposing the animal to a state of heat stress.
Rising ambient temperature triggers adaptive mechanisms aimed at limiting metabolic heat production, notably by reducing feed intake and redirecting energy metabolism to maintain homeostasis.
The redistribution of blood flow to the periphery, at the expense of the digestive tract, impairs intestinal integrity and reduces digestibility and feed efficiency. Heat stress is also accompanied by electrolyte imbalances and increased oxidative stress, contributing to the deterioration of zootechnical performance. This results in particular in a decrease in slaughter weight during the summer period and a reduction in sow fertility rate.
Anticipation is a key lever in managing heat stress. CCPA has developed Thermotool, a decision-support application based on the analysis of local weather data. Using this information, Thermotool calculates the THI (Temperature Humidity Index) to estimate the level of heat stress and the associated potential economic losses. Thanks to a geolocation system, the farmer is alerted in real time if critical thresholds are exceeded, enabling the rapid implementation of appropriate corrective measures.
To compensate for reduced feed intake under heat stress, CCPA recommends targeted nutritional adjustments during the summer period, notably by increasing the energy density of rations to maintain nutrient intake and zootechnical performance. These formulations generate less metabolic heat during digestion, thereby limiting the rise in body temperature and reducing heat stress.
Building on its phyto-expertise, CCPA has developed Thermocontrol, an innovative nutritional solution composed of plant-based ingredients (capsaicin), tea, and sodium bicarbonate to stimulate appetite, improve digestibility, help reduce oxidative stress, and maintain blood acid-base balance, thereby reducing the impact of heat stress on zootechnical performance.
The trials at the experimental station highlight changes in various indicators, such as body temperature and feed intake.
On-farm trials under real farming conditions during heat-stress episodes also showed an increase in feed intake, supporting zootechnical performance. For finishing pigs, ADG improved by an average of +10%. For sows, an average 6% increase in feed intake led to an average gain of +4.8% in piglet weaning weight.
These results confirm the effectiveness of Thermocontrol in mitigating heat stress and supporting zootechnical performance.
Managing ideal environmental conditions for the sow on the one hand, and for her litter on the other, is a real challenge in the farrowing unit. Our recent trials show the presence of continuous heat stress in sows during the lactation phase. In this case, Thermocontrol is also intended as a solution to improve the comfort of the animal in production.
Support your animals during periods of heat stress.
Measure and assess the impact of heat stress on your animals.
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