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By Ron Mardesen, a seasoned farmer with Niman Ranch based in Elliott, Iowa.
Each season on the farm presents its own unique rewards and challenges. Summer, particularly mid to late summer, is no exception. Typically by now, the third hay crop has been harvested, county frs are in full swing, and our gardens are thrivingyielding sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, ripe watermelons, and fresh peas.
But along with these rewarding moments come new challenges as well. Higher temperatures and increased humidity might be beneficial for crops but can make life uncomfortable for pigs. Pigs share some common trts with usbeing warm-blooded mammals, monogastrics having one stomach, and omnivores able to consume almost anything. However, unlike s who cool off through sweating, pigs rely on slightly different methods. When temperatures rise or when they exercise, people sweat to regulate body temperature; for pigs, the moisture added to their skin helps as it evaporates, pulling heat away from their bodies. You could visualize stepping out of a shower still wet and standing in front of a fanalmost instantly feeling chilled.
Summer's warmer temperatures and higher humidity can challenge how well pigs keep cool. The heat warms them up while the increased moisture slows down evaporation off their skin, potentially impacting their comfort level.
An unhappy pig is not an enjoyable experience for anyone involved; they eat less grow slower, may become stressed, lash out at other pigs nipping tls or ears, and can be picky about sharing resources like waterers. In extreme heat, their health could also be in jeopardy.
Interestingly, it's much easier to keep a pig warm during the winter than it is to keep them cool during summer. The Niman Ranch system uses pasture or open-sided barns for our pigsthis might sound chilly in colder months due to no insulationbut we ensure they have clean and dry bedding. Cold weather calls for dry sleeping areas with good bedding, and our pigs will remn warm and cozy.
In contrast, keeping a pig cool in hot summer temperatures requires more effort:
Seeking Shade: Just as s enjoy the shade on hot days, providing pigs with some sort of shade can greatly help them stay cool. A tree or shade canopy offers relief from direct sunlight, mntning cooler temperatures under its coverabout 10 degrees lower than standing in full sun.
Water Sprinklers and Garden Hoses: Picture children playing around fire hydrants on sweltering summer days. For pigs, a water mist system or garden hose can be their version of fun while also providing them with much-needed coolness.
Mud Puddles: Like a dip in the pool for s, a mud puddle serves as a refreshing retreat for pigs to splash around and keep themselves cool on hot days.
rflow: After shade and water comes rflow; fresh r is key to keeping pigs comfortable, especially during the summer heatwaves. Imagine stepping out of a shower when wet but then being blown by a fanthis increases r movement helps moisture evaporate from their skin faster, keeping them cooler. A gentle breeze might be enough in some cases, while fans can also prove beneficial.
Mother Pig's Comfort: For our breeding sows during farrowing when giving birth, comfort becomes crucial. An optimal balance of rflow to keep the sow comfortable without chilling her newborn piglets is essential; if she feels uncomfortable, she may restlessly move around and disturb them, potentially posing risks for the babies.
As these hot summer days come to an , bringing with them the chaos and excitement of fall harvestthe next farm season winds down, closing out another year's cycle.
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Summer brings its own unique challenges alongside the joys of farming, particularly for pigs in mid to late seasons. With hay crops harvested and county frs in full swing, our gardens flourish with sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, ripe watermelons, and fresh peas. Yet, amidst these rewarding moments, we must address new challenges posed by rising temperatures and increased humidity.
Pigs share commonalities with s in being warm-blooded mammals, monogastrics, and omnivores. However, unlike our ability to regulate body temperature through sweating, pigs rely on adding moisture to their skin which evaporates, pulling heat away from their bodies during hot weather. This process is akin to stepping out of a shower that's still damp after a refreshing bath and standing under a gentle fan breeze.
Summer temperatures can make keeping pigs comfortable challenging due to the increased heat and humidity impacting evaporation rates off their skin. An unhappy pig means a less productive farm environment for both animal welfare and efficiency in meat production.
Ensuring an enjoyable experience for our furry fris involves strategic management during hot summer days:
Finding Shade: Providing shade through trees or structures offers relief from direct sunlight, mntning cooler temperatures under its cover.
Water Sprinklers Garden Hoses: Much like children enjoying the cool spray of a fire hydrant on hot summer days, pigs appreciate water mist systems and garden hose sprays to keep them refreshed and cool.
Mud Puddles: Like taking a dip in a pool for s, pigs relish splashing around in mud puddles as their version of hydration and cooling off during the heat.
Fresh r: Fresh r is essential; stepping out of a shower when damp but feeling the breeze from an open window offers insights into rflow's importance. In our case, gentle breezes or strategically placed fans can help moisture evaporate more quickly from pigs' skin.
Mother Pigs’ Comfort: For breeding sows during farrowing giving birth, ensuring they are comfortable without chilling their newborns is crucial. Balancing the right amount of rflow helps mntn optimal conditions for both mother and babies, preventing disturbances that could harm the piglets.
As these hot summer days cool down with the coming fall harvest, signaling the winding down of another farm season cycle.
: English
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Iowa Farm Summer Challenges Management Pigs Cooling Methods in Hot Weather Efficient Farming during Summer Heatwaves Shade and Water Solutions for Pigs Humidity Impact on Pig Comfort Niman Ranchs Summer Pig Welfare Strategies