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Ten aspects to be aware of in reducing pig stress
Pigs under stress are more likely to fall ill compared to healthy animals. Numerous stressors in farming can trigger the onset of porcine diseases. During hot summers, heat stress can severely reduce pig productivity and even lead to death. In autumn and winter, stress significantly increases the risk of respiratory diseases. Other stress factors include water shortages, hunger, overcrowding, and microbial invasions. Even routine farm activities like disease prevention and transport can cause stress. Therefore, whenever you perform any task that might stress your pigs, it's essential to use methods that minimize their stress.
Improving indoor ventilation is crucial. Most pigs develop pneumonia in poor air quality. Pigs raised outdoors rarely suffer from this due to the constant flow of fresh air. Since each pig house varies in size and stocking density, the airflow needs differ accordingly. Ensure proper ventilation by controlling fans and vents as needed. Prevent drafts, as they can increase stress. Also, consider local wind strength—excessive airflow at pig level can make them feel cold and stressed. The ideal wind speed should not exceed 0.3 meters per second. If air inlets are improperly placed or doors and windows are open, wind speed may rise, leading to respiratory issues. Even in the hottest weather, wind speed must be controlled carefully.
Controlling the room temperature is also vital. Pigs feel comfortable when the temperature is ideal. Both heat and cold can cause stress, weaken immunity, and increase disease susceptibility. New weaner houses should be well-heated. If necessary, warm the pigs for up to 49 hours before moving them in. As pigs grow, their temperature requirements decrease, so farmers should gradually adjust the environment and implement strict regulations.
Maintaining proper humidity levels is equally important. Pigs have specific humidity needs; below 50% is too dry, and above 75% is too wet. Low humidity can lead to respiratory problems, while high humidity in winter makes pigs feel colder. In summer, high humidity hinders evaporation, increasing bacterial growth and disease risks. To manage humidity, enhance ventilation and place quicklime blocks in the barns.
Appropriate stocking density is critical. Overcrowding affects pig development and increases the risk of pneumonia. Summer densities should be lower, while winter densities can be slightly higher, with at least two-thirds of the space left for resting. Whether on concrete or bare ground, the resting area must remain clean, dry, and comfortable. Reducing the density of weaned pigs is especially important. Experts recommend 3 pigs per square meter for weaners and more than 0.75 square meters per pig for growing and finishing pigs.
Drinking water disinfection should not be overlooked. Disinfecting water reduces pathogen-related stress, lowers disease incidence, and improves pig health. Use clean water free of harmful substances and ensure a constant supply of fresh drinking water.
Proper nutrition is key. High temperatures reduce feed intake, leading to energy deficits. In hot seasons, provide energy-dense diets to compensate. Studies suggest optimal energy concentrations vary by weight: 14.49 MJ/kg for 15-30 kg pigs, 14.62 MJ/kg for 30-60 kg, and 15.46 MJ/kg for 60-90 kg. Carbohydrates should be reduced, and 2% vegetable oil can help lower body heat. Protein and amino acid balance is also important. High temperatures increase protein breakdown, so adjusting the diet with synthetic lysine can reduce heat load and improve feed efficiency.
Vitamins play a role in stress management. Heat causes vitamin degradation and increases demand. Supplementing with vitamins C and E can boost immunity and reduce stress. Adding 1 g/kg VC to finishing pig diets helps improve performance during heat stress. Similarly, VE at 200 IU/kg can regulate metabolism, reduce body temperature, and enhance production.
Trace elements like chromium are essential. Chromium supplementation improves stress resistance, immune function, and carcass quality. Adding 300 μg/kg chromium (as pyridine carboxylate) can boost daily weight gain and reduce feed costs. Anti-stress drugs like amber and taurine can also be used to manage heat stress, improving performance and reducing cortisol levels.
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