June 22, 2023

New smartphone app helps US swine producers combat heat stress in swine

In an effort to address the challenges posed by heat stress in swine, US swine producers now have access to HotHog, a smartphone app that utilises local weather data to provide hourly, daily, and weekly predictions of overall comfort and heat stress levels in swine, Rural Radio reported.

The app was developed by a team of Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and university scientists.

With this information at their fingertips, US swine producers can take proactive measures to ensure the well-being of their animals. By adjusting cooling temperatures, providing ample drinking water, and limiting transport to the early morning hours, they can effectively combat the detrimental effects of heat stress.

Heat stress poses a significant financial burden on the swine industry, resulting in an estimated annual revenue loss of US$481 million. Given the challenges posed by climate change, particularly during the summer months and in tropical regions, safeguarding swine productivity becomes increasingly crucial.

Swine are especially vulnerable to heat stress due to their inability to sweat. In modern production settings, swine rely on panting to cope with heat, while caregivers adjust ventilation rates, use sprinklers, and ensure access to cool water for the animals. Without these preventive measures, swine may experience reduced appetite, slower growth, decreased lean muscle production, lower milk production, and other health, productivity, or fertility problems.

What sets HotHog apart from other decision-support tools is its unique ability to predict thermal stress based on behavioural and physiological data collected from heat-load studies of swine, specifically focusing on non-pregnant breeding females and mid- to late-gestation sows. This targeted approach enhances the accuracy of the predictions, making HotHog a first-of-its-kind tool in the industry.

Swine producers can now download HotHog from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

-      Rural Radio