A methodology for mapping current and future heat stress risk in pigs

Abstract

Heat stress is a global issue constraining pig productivity, and it is likely to intensify under future climate change. Technological advances in earth observation have made tools available that enable identification and mapping livestock species that are at risk of exposure to heat stress due to climate change. Here, we present a methodology to map the current and likely future heat stress risk in pigs using R software by combining the effects of temperature and relative humidity. We applied the method to growing-finishing pigs in Uganda. We mapped monthly heat stress risk and quantified the number of pigs exposed to heat stress using 18 global circulation models and projected impacts in the 2050s. Results show that more than 800 000 pigs in Uganda will be affected by heat stress in the future. The results can feed into evidence-based policy, planning and targeted resource allocation in the livestock sector.

The Genetics of Thermoregulation in Pigs: A Review

“…Pigs then rely mainly on evaporative heat loss by increasing respiratory rate to maintain a constant body temperature (25). The ability of the pig to dissipate heat is actually a combination of the effect of ambient temperature and humidity, that can be captured by the temperature humidity index (THI) (26)(27)(28). Most studies (27)(28)(29) designed to characterize the effect of heat load from the environment on livestock responses have summarized the climatic factors in a THI index.…”

“…The ability of the pig to dissipate heat is actually a combination of the effect of ambient temperature and humidity, that can be captured by the temperature humidity index (THI) (26)(27)(28). Most studies (27)(28)(29) designed to characterize the effect of heat load from the environment on livestock responses have summarized the climatic factors in a THI index. The levels of panting, metabolism, and body core temperature differ between physiological stages and animals.…”

Distribution and relative abundance of pig breeds in South-Western Agro-ecological Zone, Uganda: Status of locally adapted pigs

“…The other reason could be because the scavenging production system is being abandoned altogether. Mutua et al (2020) argued that though smallholder low-input systems are dominant in Uganda, intensive systems had increased in number over the years. Intensive pig farming systems where pigs are kept housed all the time was practiced mostly in and around trading centres and pig breeds kept in this system were crosses and exotic breeds.…”

“…Most studies on pigs in Uganda have looked at different issues about pig production which include welfare (Dione et al, 2022); heat stress (Mutua et al, 2020;Zaake, 2019), diseases (Thompson, 2017;Atherstone et al, 2020), pig value chain (Tatwangire, 2014;Ouma et al, 2015;Ouma et al, 2017;Thompson, 2017); production systems (Muhanguzi et al, 2012;Nantima et al, 2015), pig feed diversity (Okello et al, 2021); trading networks Source: (Extracted by Jackline Kampire (author) using ArchGIS 10.5) (Atherstone et al, 2018), knowledge and attitudes (Roesel et al, 2019;Mutambo et al, 2019;Dione et al, 2020). Information on breed distribution and population structure is not only limited but is also not clear; reports showing increase in pig numbers as per annual statistical abstracts of Uganda Bureau of Standards (UBOS) do not normally differentiate the numbers into respective breeds.…”

Efecto del tratamiento con aspersión de agua controlada por temperatura ambiental sobre la productividad y bienestar animal en cerdos de engorde

“…El estrés por calor da como resultado una mayor tasa de infecciones bacterianas secundarias, debido a un mecanismo de defensa intestinal comprometido. Sin embargo, los estudios han demostrado que los mecanismos de adaptación aumentan la capacidad de recuperación, las tasas de supervivencia y la PP [13].…”