Heat stress is a major challenge in swine production, affecting animal health, welfare, growth, reproductive performance and farm profitability. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to behavioural changes, increased respiratory rate, reduced feed intake and growth performance and, in severe cases, mortality [1,2].
As periods of high temperatures and extreme weather events become more frequent, monitoring environmental conditions is increasingly important. The Temperature-Humidity Index (THI) combines temperature and relative humidity to indicate environmental heat load, helping farmers identify periods of increased heat stress risk and take appropriate measures to protect pigs and farm performance.
This article discusses heat stress in pigs, the use of the THI to monitor environmental heat load, and practical strategies to prevent and reduce its effects on farms.