How to support the metabolism of pigs holistically – even during hot periods

Rising temperatures and more frequent weather extremes as a result of climate change are making heat stress in pig farming an ever greater challenge – and no longer just at the height of summer. Pigs are particularly sensitive to heat due to their physiology: they lack almost completely functioning sweat glands, meaning that they can hardly release excess heat to the outside. If the ambient temperature rises above the thermoneutral comfort zone (for adult pigs between around 15-28 °C), the organism is no longer able to dissipate its own body heat sufficiently.

As a result, there is a risk of heat stress – a condition that is associated with a variety of negative consequences for the metabolism, health and performance of the animals.

Thermoregulation and stress reactions

At high ambient temperatures, pigs try to release their body heat in various ways. Typical signs of heat stress are increased breathing frequency (panting) and sluggishness. Panting generates evaporative cooling via the lungs, but this also leads to increased CO₂ loss – an effect that can contribute to a disturbed acid-base balance in the long term. The animals often lie down on cool ground surfaces, wallow in water or scattered faeces (to cool their skin through evaporative cooling) and avoid close physical contact with conspecifics.

However, this endogenous thermoregulation is often not sufficient to compensate for high barn temperatures. The internal body temperature begins to rise, which triggers an acute stress reaction in the animal. Heat stress is accompanied by the increased release of stress hormones such as cortisol.

Increased energy requirements and oxidative stress

A less obvious but far-reaching effect of heat stress is the change in the pigs’ metabolism. On the one hand, the animals’ maintenance requirements increase, as more energy is used to activate cooling mechanisms (e.g. panting, peripheral blood flow to the skin). On the other hand, more free radicals are formed in the cells – the oxidative metabolic processes are therefore running at full speed.

This oxidative stress can cause cell damage and attack important molecules (such as enzymes or DNA). Normally, the body has antioxidants (e.g. vitamin E, vitamin C, certain enzymes) to neutralise free radicals. Under heat stress, however, this balance is thrown out of kilter: more radicals are produced, while at the same time feed intake falls and fewer antioxidant nutrients are absorbed. As a result, the immune system can be weakened and the overall health of the animal can suffer.

Effects on digestion and metabolism

Heat stress also affects the digestive physiology of pigs. In order to release heat, blood flow to the periphery of the body (skin) is increased, whereas the blood supply to internal organs such as the digestive tract is reduced.

This redistribution can impair gastrointestinal functions. Even short periods of heat can impair the integrity of the intestinal wall, making the damaged gut lining more permeable (leaky gut). This further intensifies the cycle of inflammatory reactions and metabolic stress.

Measures and feeding solutions against heat stress

In view of the various effects, it is essential to manage heat stress proactively. Pigs must have access to fresh, cool drinking water at all times – a lactating sow needs over 40-50 litres of water a day during hot periods. Furthermore, the feeding strategy should be adapted to high temperatures. A reduced supply of crude fibre and protein (with a simultaneous supply of high-quality, easily digestible amino acids) can reduce the specific dynamic effect of feed conversion, as fibre- and protein-rich feed in particular releases a lot of heat during digestion. Instead, the energy content of the ration should be increased to compensate for the reduced feed quantity.

In addition to fats, antioxidant nutrients play an important role: the supply of vitamin E and vitamin C should be at the upper end of the recommendation in summer, as these substances counteract the increased oxidative stress. As a solution, we have developed two feed supplements that specifically target the holistic metabolic support of animals in phases of increased demand (lactation, heat stress, oxidative stress).

Our solutions:

BEWI-FATRIX® CX is a supplementary feed for high-yielding pigs for holistic metabolic support in phases of increased demand.

  • Fat provides additional energy
  • With rapeseed lecithin as an emulsifier
  • Vitamin C and E with antioxidant effect in the metabolism
  • Contains pepper (Capsicum annuum) and willow bark (salix spec.) with all natural ingredients

 

 

BEWI-FATRIX® Fortify is a feed supplement designed for all animal species to support the metabolism during periods of increased demand.

  • Combines processed herbs (Capsicum annuum) and other phytogenic active ingredients
  • Combines antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
  • Promotes cell regeneration after oxidative stress
  • Stimulates the animals’ appetite and desire to eat and promotes safe feed and nutrient intake
BEWI-FATRIX® CX
>> learn more about the product
BEWI-FATRIX® Fortify
>> learn more about the product

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