What are the environmental measures to reduce pig stress?

1. Control stocking density

During heat stress, stocking density must be strictly controlled to help the pig's body dissipate heat and allow air circulation. Suitable stocking densities are generally: for pigs under 45 kg, 0.74 sq m per pig on solid flooring and 0.37 sq m per pig on slatted flooring; for pigs over 45 kg, 0.93 sq m per pig on solid flooring and 0.56 sq m per pig on slatted flooring.

2. Provide a suitable environment

The pig house should face north-south to reduce direct sunlight in the morning and evening; an insulating layer on the pig house roof can block the solar heat accumulated on the roof from radiating to the pigs' bodies, or spraying water on the roof can reduce heat conduction through the roof and also reduce radiant heat reaching the pigs' bodies; under high-temperature conditions, the eaves height of open-style large pig houses should be no less than 3.5-4.0 m to help hot air rise and cool air descend, reducing the air temperature around the pigs' bodies; in open-style pig houses, ventilation fans can be used, and at high temperatures of 30-35 degrees C the wind speed should be 0.5-1 m per second; intermittent spraying of water around the pigs' bodies, combined with ventilation, is very effective at relieving heat stress; using a wet curtain plus positive-pressure ventilation system can significantly improve the thermal environment of pig houses in dry areas.