Keeping show pigs cool poses challenges for exhibitors
For 4-H and FFA exhibitors, maintaining the comfort of show animals is key to not only practicing good animal husbandry, but also the ultimate success of their projects. In particular, keeping pigs cool can be especially difficult in the extreme temperatures of the summer months.
Pigs do not have sweat glands. This means that in extremely hot temperatures, they have no natural means of cooling themselves down.
“In nature, pigs will find the nearest waterhole or pond to root around in and create mud to cool them down. Regarding taking care of show pigs, they often are kept in a show barn, having no access to mud, or a body of water,” said Farmington, Arkansas native and pig showman, Chloe Mabry.
“It is harder to keep show pigs comfortable in the summer especially when we get in July when the temps get very high. Unlike cattle, pigs cannot go into a cooler room because of their immune systems,” said Mabry.
From the months of April to November the Mabry family will have a minimum of 10 pigs on feed. Mabry’s family has been showing pigs for many years and has developed a management system for extreme temperatures.
Rinsing pigs frequently and keeping air circulating in the barn are two of the most important tactics.
“During the summer, each pig gets rinsed with cold water each day. They also have their own individual fans, with other fans in the ceiling of the barn to keep the air moving,” said Mabry. “My biggest piece of advice to others is to prioritize air flow in your barn. Without air flow you can’t even keep the barn remotely cool because the hot air just sits there.”
Along with keeping show pigs comfortable in the summertime, it is important year-round to exercise and walk show pigs daily to get them prepared for the show ring.
Finding the right time of day to walk pigs requires planning ahead in the summer months.
“The best time to walk pigs is either before 9 a.m. or after 7 p.m. at night. If you would like to jackpot some in the summer, it does benefit them to do even just a five-minute walk in the heat of the day so the pigs can build some stamina to it,” said Mabry.
Mabry said if show pigs get too hot, they may be less likely to eat very well, preventing them from growing and performing as well at shows.
