25 - Effects of climate change on pig welfare

Abstract

Climate projections estimate an increase in global temperature and a higher occurrence of extreme climate events in the near future, which may impact pig husbandry on a global scale. The resilience of pig production systems has a limit over which adaptation will not be possible. This will affect the welfare of pigs but also the productive capacity of pig farming, especially in those systems with less technological and financial capacity to react to climate change. This chapter recognises the main risks associated with climate change, including heat stress, exposure to extreme climate events, and the appearance of new diseases. Heat stress is the most obvious consequence. However, research and innovation has revealed strategies capable of reducing its negative consequences, including building insulation, ventilation, breeding for resilience, and nutritional strategies. Extreme climate events (e.g. droughts, fires, floods, hurricanes, etc.) can also impose significant risks for pig welfare. This risk has been scarcely investigated, but existent research agrees that collaboration between veterinarians and governmental bodies is crucial to design and implement effective evacuation protocols. The arrival of new diseases may also be a consequence of climate change, mediated by parasitic, microbial, and viral pathogens. Strategies to overcome the appearance of new diseases should focus on anticipating their arrival so the relevant preventative strategies can be implemented. Climate change brings a number of threats to pig farming, especially for animal welfare. However, innovative solutions may help to offset its negative effects and research should focus on helping to predict these risks and find the most cost-effective mitigating strategies.