Better Pork | August 2024

32 Pork News & Views Better Pork April 2021 Pork News & Views Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Better Pork | August 2024 when there was no functional alternative power source or power loss plan in place. For fan-operated bans, alternate power generators should be tested monthly to ensure they are operational in the event of an emergency. For naturally ventilated barns, check panic doors and drop curtains. In hot conditions, pigs will try to increase heat dissipation and decrease body heat production. To support this:  Ensure pigs have unrestricted access to clean water  Maintain proper ventilation rates for the room size and weight of the pigs  Avoid overcrowding: Provide enough pen space for all pigs to lie down without touching each other and still have easy access to feeders, waterers, and the dunging area  Work with a nutritionist to create a more nutrient-dense diet du- ring hot weather  When pigs are fed at set time points, offer the bulk of their feed during cooler hours to maintain feed intake  For group housing: Install timed sprinkler systems triggered by room temperature  For individual housing: install a drip cooling system or sow coo- ling pads Considerations when transporting pigs Transportation is a high stress time for pigs and requires additional precautions during hot and humid weather. These can include:  Handling pigs with extra caution  exertion in hot weather can incre- ase stress and lead to heat stroke  Loading pigs in small groups  Adjusting transport times to avoid traffic and peak temperatu- res in the day  Providing wet shavings when the temperature is above 15°C. Do not use straw.  Misting or spraying pigs with water when loading in tempera- tures above 27°C  Loading and unloading promptly to avoid heat build-up Overheated pigs require immediate attention. In the event of an overheated pig:  Do not pour cold water onto the pig  Do not have the pig run or climb ramps  Separate the pig from others and allow it time to rest and recover  If you can, move the pig to a co- oler area and spray with a fine mist of cool water (From “Cooling Systems for Pigs a Hot Topic” by Prairie Swine Center: https://www.prairieswine.com/2020/12/17/cooling-systems-for-pigs-a-hot-topic/)

RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTc0MDI3