How to Support Sows During Summer Farrowing
- Norah Kirpatrick
- Jul 28
- 3 min read
Summer heat is no joke, especially when you have sows getting ready to farrow!
High temperatures and humidity can take a toll on feed intake, milk production and overall sow performance. The good news is that a few simple management changes can help keep sows more comfortable and give piglets a stronger start!
Keep the Farrowing Barn Cool
Keeping the barn cool is one of the best things you can do for sows during summer farrowing.
Fans, proper ventilation and cooling systems can help move air and reduce heat buildup. It also helps to keep the barn clean and limit direct sunlight when possible.
The tricky part is that sows and piglets require different temperatures. Sows are typically most comfortable between 60°F and 70°F, while newborn piglets prefer a much warmer area between 80°F and 90°F.
Heat lamps or warming mats can give piglets a warm place to rest without heating up the entire area. Keep an eye on both the temperature and piglet behavior to make sure everyone is comfortable.
Make Water Easy to Access
Fresh, clean water is always important, but it becomes even more critical when temperatures climb.
Sows often drink more during hot weather, and staying hydrated helps support appetite, milk production and overall health.
Check waterers regularly to make sure they are working properly and providing enough flow. A waterer may look like it’s working, but even a small restriction can limit how much a sow drinks.
Adjust Feeding Times
It’s common for sows to back off feed when the weather gets hot. Try feeding more during the cooler parts of the day, such as early in the morning or later in the evening. This can make it easier for sows to maintain intake when the barn heats up.
Keeping sows eating helps them maintain body condition and produce the milk their piglets need to keep growing!
Watch for Signs of Heat Stress
Pay close attention to how your sows are acting throughout the day. Small changes can be the first sign that a sow is struggling with the heat.
Common signs may include:
Heavy or rapid breathing
Reduced appetite
Lethargy
Increased water intake
More time spent lying down
Reduced milk production
Catching these signs early gives you a better chance to make adjustments before a small issue becomes a bigger problem.
Products to Have on Hand During Farrowing
Good management always comes first, but having the right products nearby can give sows and piglets a little extra support when they need it most.
Electrolyte
Ralco Show's Electrolyte is a great product to have on hand when heat and farrowing put extra pressure on hydration.
It can be offered when a sow is moved into the farrowing crate to help encourage water intake before farrowing. You can also continue offering it afterward to support hydration, appetite and recovery.
The recommended feeding rate is 1 scoop per feeding, starting 2-3 days before farrowing and continuing for 3-4 days after.
Show Gun
Show Gun is a natural oral drench designed to help animals manage stress and get back on feed fast.
Give sows 2-3 pumps immediately after farrowing to help support recovery and encourage appetite. Additional doses can be given as needed when a sow seems sluggish or isn’t eating like she should.
Show Gun can also be used with newborn piglets. Use 1 pump per piglet shortly after birth can help encourage appetite and get them off to a strong start.
Birthright Milk
Birthright Milk is another product we like to keep close during farrowing season.
This versatile milk replacer can provide extra nutrition for large litters, smaller piglets or orphaned piglets. It also gives you another option when a sow isn’t producing enough milk to support the entire litter.
For piglets, mix 5 cups, or approximately 1.1 pounds, of Birthright powder per gallon of water.
Help Sows Beat the Heat
Summer farrowing comes with a few extra challenges, but preparation goes a long way.
Keep the barn cool, check waterers often, feed during the cooler parts of the day and watch sows closely. Having Electrolyte, Show Gun and Birthright Milk ready to go can also help you support sows and piglets when they need an extra boost!
Electrolyte - Daily Electrolyte for Show Animals
Electrolyte is a straight-ahead electrolyte to keep projects hydrated in stressful and challenging conditions like stress and farrowing.
Show Gun - Get Show Animals Eating Fast Show Gun is the ticket to getting your project up and eating again. This natural oral drench contains patented ingredients that focus on reducing stress and promoting appetite to quickly get animals back on track.
Birthright Milk - Milk Replacer for Baby Pigs & Show Pigs Birthright is the gold standard baby pig milk replacer. Birthright
helps increasing average weaning weight and improve gut health.
