April 14, 2026
US swine producers now have access to Iowa State University resources to reduce heat stress
US swine producers have new resources available from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach to mitigate summer heat stress.
"Heat Stress in Swine Production: Breeding Herd Considerations" and "Heat Stress in Swine Production: Basic Research" are available for download from the ISU Extension Store.
Researchers have estimated that heat stress costs the US pork industry over US$520 million annually in economic losses. By incorporating practices that reduce heat stress, swine producers can maintain animal feed intake and efficiency during periods with warmer temperatures.
"Heat stress causes pigs to focus on survival instead of growth or reproduction," said Mark Storlie, ISU swine extension specialist and author of the publications. "Minimising heat stress can improve animal growth performance and productivity, positively impacting a pork producer's bottom line."
The first publication, "Heat Stress in Swine Production: Breeding Herd Considerations," emphasises strategies to minimise stress in sow breeding herds and the effects on reproductive productivity. It includes tools for identifying heat stress, new research on the ideal ambient temperature range for sows and boars, basic ventilation design, and additional heat mitigation options.
The second publication, "Heat Stress in Swine Production: Basic Research," summarises the findings from a research trial conducted by Tori Rudolph, former graduate student at Iowa State University. The trial found that heat stress affects gilts and barrows differently through observed biological changes, alterations in skeletal muscle, and hematological parameters.
- Iowa Pork Industry Center