Practical methods to prevent heatstroke in pigs in summer
Heatstroke is the collective term for sunstroke and heat apoplexy. In hot seasons, improper feeding and management, a pig pen without heat-relief equipment, and exposure of pigs to sunlight can cause severe impairment of central nervous system function and lead to sunstroke; or, because the pig house is small, poorly ventilated, the temperature inside the pen is too high, and the pigs remain for a long time in a damp and stuffy environment, the body produces more heat and dissipates less, causing severe central nervous system dysfunction and resulting in heat apoplexy. If sick pigs are not given prompt and effective treatment, it can cause systemic convulsions and may even result in permanent brain damage, kidney failure and death. Therefore, doing a good job of heat prevention and the prevention and treatment of heatstroke is an important part of ensuring that live pigs pass the summer safely and improving the economic benefits of pig farming in summer.
It is now midsummer, and the intense heat is hard to bear. The following effective measures can be taken to relieve heat and lower body temperature.
1. Do a good job of cleaning and hygiene to ensure ventilation in the pens. Pig houses should be cleaned twice a day and washed once. This is because pig manure itself is also a heat source in summer and should be thoroughly cleaned up. Summer weather is stuffy and hot, so the doors and windows of the pig house should be fully opened to facilitate ventilation and heat dissipation for the live pigs. Large-scale farmers with the means to do so can install ventilation equipment, which is even more helpful for preventing heatstroke and cooling pigs.
2. Cool water washing and spraying to lower temperature. For pig houses with brick-concrete structures and cement floors, on the premise of doing a good job of cleaning and hygiene, wash the sanitary wall (1 m high) of the pig house and the floor with cool water every day at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. For pigs weighing more than 75 kg, cool water spraying can be used to lower temperature, so as to help fattening pigs pass the summer safely.
3. Build shade sheds and plant trees around the pens. Build shade sheds above the pigs' activity area, or plant trees in the activity area, to avoid direct sunlight and help the pigs stay in the shade and keep cool.
4. Ensure adequate drinking water. Ensure adequate drinking water every day, preferably fresh cool well water, plus an appropriate amount of salt, 5-6 times.