New Research Highlights the Benefits of Cooling Pads for Heat-Stressed Sows

A recent study conducted by researchers from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and Purdue University has shed light on the significant impact of heat stress on lactating sows and how electronic cooling pads can mitigate these effects. This research, “Effect of Cooling and Daily Temperatures on the Daily Patterns of Internal Temperatures of Lactating Sows and Potential Relationship with Feed Intake Patterns,” provides valuable insights into managing heat stress in swine production.

Understanding the Challenge

Lactating sows are particularly susceptible to heat stress due to the increased metabolic demands of milk production. When exposed to high environmental temperatures, these animals can experience elevated body temperatures and altered behaviour, which can negatively impact their health and the growth of their piglets.

In this study, the researchers aimed to evaluate how cooling pads influence circadian behaviour patterns, respiration rates, and rectal temperatures in sows during a natural summer heat wave. The research involved 18 Large White Landrace sows, divided into two groups: one with electronic cooling pads and one without, serving as the heat-stressed control group.

Key Findings

The study’s findings are compelling. Sows with access to cooling pads showed significantly reduced rectal temperature (RT) and respiration rate (RR) compared to the heat-stressed control group. On average, the cooling pads lowered the sows’ body temperature by 0.45°C, which is crucial for their comfort and well-being.

Moreover, the study revealed that the cooling pads helped modify the sows’ circadian patterns. Sows exposed to heat stress without cooling pads shifted their eating times to later in the day, associated with a second rise in body temperature at night. This suggests that continued cooling is essential, even after the environmental temperatures drop, as heat stress’s physiological effects can linger.

Implications for Swine Production

The research underscores the importance of addressing heat stress in lactating sows to maintain their health and productivity. Heat-stressed sows tend to eat less, spend more time standing, and exhibit disrupted daily behaviour patterns, negatively affecting milk production and piglet growth.

By implementing electronic cooling pads, swine producers can help stabilize sows’ internal temperatures and support healthier feeding and resting behaviours. This not only improves the welfare of the animals but also has the potential to enhance overall farm productivity, making it a valuable tool in the face of rising global temperatures.

As climate change continues to pose challenges for agriculture, this research highlights the importance of innovative solutions like electronic cooling pads in maintaining animal welfare and farm efficiency. The findings from this study provide a clear pathway for producers to mitigate the impacts of heat stress on lactating sows, ensuring better outcomes for both animals and farmers.

Check out IHT Group’s latest updates and resources for more information on managing heat stress in livestock and other agricultural innovations.