Webinar: How to Beat the Long-term Effects of Seasonal Pig Stress

New Educational Series

How to Beat the Long-term Effects of Seasonal Pig Stress

Pork producers know that high summer temperatures can lead to heat stress and poor pig performance, but they may not know how long those effects can last and how much they cost if not addressed correctly. These topics will be the focus of the Pork Checkoff’s newest educational opportunity, “Assessing and Understanding the Impact of Seasonal Loss of Productivity,” a free, four-part webinar series that starts August 4.

“The Checkoff’s Animal Science Committee is pleased to again bring this type of research-based information to all producers this year,” said Chris Hostetler, director of animal science at the National Pork Board. “The subject of the series affects all producers regardless of farm size or location, yet producers have few tools to combat the effects of summer heat. However, being aware its long-term impact is the first step.”

The webinars will be held each Tuesday during August at noon (Central Daylight Time). There is no cost, but participants must pre-register. To register, go to www.pork.org/animalscience.

August 4: Dr. Lance Baumgard – Assessing the Impact of Seasonal Loss of Productivity

The economic impact of the loss of productivity due primarily to seasonal heat stress is directly related to the underlying biology of pigs.

August 11: Dr. Tim Safranski – Impact of in utero heat stress on subsequent growth, composition and reproduction

These results suggest that heat stress of developing embryos could have a significant effect on the subsequent performance of pigs.

August 18: Dr. Shelly Rhoads – Impact of in utero heat stress on subsequent lactational performance and performance of offspring

The results of this experiment indicate that in utero heat stress has long-lasting and transgenerational effects on measurements of swine productivity.

August 25: Dr. Jason Ross – Understanding the biology of seasonal infertility to develop mitigation strategies for swine

Selecting females that are heat tolerant may improve reproductive performance during the heat of summer.

Source: Porkcheckoff