Innovative HotHog App Empowers Livestock Producers in Heat Stress Management

Livestock producers can now leverage the power of HotHog, a groundbreaking smartphone app designed to forecast heat stress in pigs. HotHog uses local weather data to provide hourly, daily, and weekly predictions of heat stress levels. It was developed by a group of agricultural scientists from the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), Purdue University, and the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE).

This invaluable information enables swine producers to take proactive measures, such as optimizing water availability, implementing cooling strategies like fans or mists, and planning livestock transport during cooler periods.

Heat stress poses a significant economic burden, amounting to an estimated $481 million in annual revenue losses for the U.S. swine industry. With the increasing challenges posed by global climate change, maintaining the well-being and productivity of pigs, a crucial source of animal protein worldwide, becomes even more crucial, especially during summer months and in tropical regions.

Pigs, unable to sweat, rely on panting while caregivers adjust ventilation rates, employ sprinklers, and ensure access to ample cool water. Failure to address heat stress can lead to reduced feed intake, slower growth, lower lean muscle production, diminished milk production, and various health and fertility issues.

What sets HotHog apart from existing tools is its utilization of behavioral and physiological data collected specifically from non-pregnant breeding females and mid- to late-gestation sows. This unique approach ensures accurate thermal stress prediction and distinguishes HotHog as the first decision-support tool of its kind.

Available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, HotHog provides users with customizable geographic settings, real-time local weather information, and temperature forecasts categorized into six thermal states. The app also offers informative icons that detail physiological and behavioral signs associated with predicted thermal stress levels, alongside management observations and mitigation options.

HotHog's developers have future updates in the pipeline, including Spanish translation, push notifications, and thermal predictions for additional livestock groups like boars, nursery pigs, and growing-finishing pigs. These updates will be seamlessly integrated into the app through routine updates on the respective app stores.

By harnessing the power of HotHog, livestock producers can proactively combat heat stress, ensuring improved animal welfare, increased productivity, and enhanced profitability in their operations.