As unpredictable as our summer weather may be, it’s vital that during the warmer months, or if like last year, incredibly hot days, we pay particular attention to our pigs.
Hot summers can be unpleasant for pigs, they feel the heat just as we do, but as they don’t have any sweat glands, they’re unable to sweat to help keep cool and regulate a normal body temperature. This can lead to heat stress which in turn can significantly affect your pig’s performance and growth.
The UK has a humid climate and when combined with the warmer summer months even in temperatures of 25°C pigs can quickly succumb to heat stress.
Any sudden extreme rises in the temperature can lead to acute heat stress. In some cases, this can be life threatening, particularly for mature pigs, finishers and developing gilts.
What to look out for
The main indicators that your pigs may be suffering from heat stress include:
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How to Buy a Smallholding in France- Long-time smallholder Lorraine Turnbull looks at the practicalities of moving to rural France
Aspiring smallholders are continually thwarted by the prices of smallholdings and property with land located within the UK. Even the humblest croft in Scotland comes with a substantial price tag and conditions which would make even an adventurous wannabee consider carefully. But all is not lost. For those willing to take the adventure of a lifetime, there is always Europe, and one of the most popular places is France.
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