Rising temperatures caused by climate change pose a serious threat to livestock animals, particularly in pigs. For hog raisers, heat stress is a major concern as it hampers the animals’ overall performance. Since pigs lack sweat glands and have relatively small lungs, they struggle to regulate their body temperature. As a result, they often experience reduced feed efficiency, slower weight gain, reproductive issues, and increased mortality rates.

 

Managing heat stress is a major challenge for hog farmers, as it leads to significant production losses. In the United States alone, the pig industry reportedly loses around US$300 million each year due to heat stress.

 

As such, heat stress is not just an isolated problem for tropical countries. The situation in the US shows that managing high temperatures for pigs aren’t just seasonal, it is a year-round significant concern.

 

To minimise the effects of heat stress, farmers are adopting various strategies that balance cost-efficiency with production competency. One of the most effective approaches involves using cooling systems-such as sprinklers, proper ventilation, and simple shade structures-to help reduce heat buildup. Adjusting pig diets and ensuring constant access to clean drinking water during hot and humid conditions are also essential. Additionally, selecting heat-tolerant breeds through proper genetic traits enable farmers to raise pigs that can adapt to high temperatures.

 

While these measures can be costly-especially for small-scale farmers-they are increasingly necessary as heatwaves become more frequent, even in countries with colder climates. With the added challenges posed by diseases like ASF, addressing this swine health problem should also be a priority. Fortunately, companies like Alltech (p.8-9) provide a variety of products specifically formulated to support pig health and performance during periods of extreme heat. These include chelated minerals and organic selenium, which play a key role in helping pigs cope with or recover from heat stress. According to academic literature, chelated minerals are essential trace elements-such as zinc, copper, manganese, and iron-combined with organic molecules like amino acids. Chelated minerals significantly enhance absorption of these nutrients during heat stress, when the pigs’ feed intake often declines and nutrient absorption is weakened. Experts say chelated minerals can support animal health, boost growth, and maintain productivity under challenging conditions.

 

On the other hand, studies have proven that selenium effectively alleviates intestinal barrier damage induced by heat stress, strengthening the structure and function of the intestinal tract of livestock. Overall, selenium supplementation can help boost antioxidant protection, enhance immunity and support the pig’s health.

 

Because of climate change, the hog industry should learn to adapt to extreme heat conditions. In addition to mitigation measures, nutritional interventions such as selenium and chelated minerals are vital for protecting both swine health and farmers' profitability.

 

The full article is published on the JUNE 2025 issue of LIVESTOCK & FEED Business. To read the full report, please email to inquiry@efeedlink.com to request for a complimentary copy of the magazine, indicating your name, mailing address and title of the report.