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Extremely hot weather can pose problems on pig farms. Producers should particularly monitor temperatures in their AI storage cabinets and water flow rates, says Paul Thompson, veterinary adviser to pig-breeding company ACMC.
AI cabinets should be checked twice daily to see that they are maintaining the required temperature. The shelf-life of sperm that has overheated will be seriously reduced, he points out.
Water flow in piggeries is important at all times of the year, but during extremely hot weather it is vital to ensure that flow-rates are fast enough to ensure all classes of stock have access to clean water in sufficient quantities.
As a minimum, finishing pigs between 20 kg and slaughter need flow-rates of 1-1.5 litres per minute while sows need 2 litres per minute, he says.
July 25, 2013 - ACMC
