Nutritional strategies to mitigate heat stress in lactating sows
Introduction
In countries with tropical climate the environmental challenges for high-production sows are constant. High productivity becomes a significant factor when it comes to the thermal comfort of lactating mothers. As it is necessary to increase feed consumption during this phase in order to avoid losses in subsequent phases (Mendoza et al., 2020).
The thermal comfort zone of lactating sows ranges from 18 to 22 ºC with a relative humidity of 40 to 70% (Silva et al., 2021).
Factors such as radiation, air current, temperature and humidity of the air must be taken into account when adjusting the temperature range for the animals’ comfort zone. This will optimize the expression of their genetic potential. Therefore, incorporating adequate heat mitigation strategies as part of the management practices and housing of high production sows in countries with tropical climates is non negotiable.
Currently, nutritional strategies such as the use of additives and adjustments in diet formulation are fundamental for favoring feed intake in sows. Reducing the deleterious effects of low consumption during lactation, which consequently improves sows’ productive and reproductive indices. The following entry addresses some of nutritional strategies that are available to help mitigate the effects of heat stress on lactating sows.
Heat stress in pigs
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The sweat glands of pigs are not as efficient as those found in other animal species. Therefore, heat dissipation occurs through latent (respiratory rate) and sensitive (conduction, convection and radiation) routes.
The efficiency of these dissipation mechanisms can be influenced by other factors besides ambient temperature. These include: air humidity and velocity as well as the area of contact with housing surfaces(Bjerg et al., 2020; Brandt et al., 2022; Huang et al., 2022).
The thermal environment in which sows find themselves can modulate their feeding behavior. Thus, temperature fluctuations directly influence their feeding behavior. With greater feed intake levels occurring under milder temperatures (Quiniou et al., 2000; Silva et al., 2009, 2018 and 2021). Dietary patterns are also influenced by environmental temperature and photoperiod variations (Silva et al., 2021).
Choi et al. (2019) observed higher feed consumption in lactating sows under heat stress conditions, when they were fed at night, which corrobora...
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