Market Hogs in the Summer Heat

Hello Everybody!
Kris Hayman here, writing to you from the Potter County Penn State Cooperative Extension Office. Over the past few weeks Potter County has experienced a very hot and dry weather spell. This may seem like great weather for summertime fun, but for those 4-H and FFA members who have Market Swine projects it has been a nightmare. To explain, pigs DO NOT have sweat glands. This means that they have a very difficult time keeping cool. When any animal gets too hot, it is in their nature not to eat. For this reason it is important to manage your hog’s body temperature during the summer’s brutal heat. I have included a few practices that will help you keep your pig cool and, at the same time, gain weight for the Potter County Fair.
Cooling Practices for Hogs Outdoors:
1. ALWAYS KEEP CLEAN WATER AVAILABLE (Most Important)
2. Be sure that there is some sort of shade in the pen (Hanging a tarp will do just fine)
3. Make a mud bath (This acts as the pig’s natural sun screen)
4. Hose the pigs down with cold water multiple times a day (Helps to prevent mud stains)
Cooling Practices for Hogs Indoors:
1. ALWAYS KEEP CLEAN WATER AVAILABLE (Most Important)
2. Hang a box fan to create air circulation (Just like you do at the Fair)
Weight Gaining Practices for ALL Hogs:
1. Make Corn Mash with cold water or sour milk
• Corn Mash is made by adding cold water to your hog’s powdered corn meal until the mixture is an oatmeal consistency; this can be done with pellet feed as well
• To get sour milk go to your local grocer and ask for milk that is either spoiled or slightly out of date; this makes the mash more tasty for the pig
2. When making Corn Mash add either cheap maple syrup, vegetable oil, or sugar purchased from the dollar store as this makes the Corn Mash a sweet treat for the pig to eat!
3. Make Corn Mash three or more times a day (Morning, Noon, and Night)
4. Be sure to use the Cooling Practices listed above
Remember, keep your pig cool and comfortable and they will eat. Hogs can gain up to 2-3 lbs. per day. So if you feel that your market project is going to be close to the 210 lbs. weight requirement then follow the practices listed above. Good luck and see you at the Fair!