Colder temperatures have arrived in Iowa, and it’s critical for swine producers to make sure their hogs are getting adequate shelter and warmth during severe winter weather.

Dr. Callie Garoutte with the Stuart Veterinary Clinic says winter practices can vary depending on the type of swine farmer, and she gives this advice for those with confinement operations, “When you look at confinements it’s really important for humans and pigs that we make sure that there’s air flow, because typically in this wintertime we’re going to button up those barns pretty good because the whole idea of having hogs in confinement is that we can control the temperature. So just making sure that we don’t have the barns buttoned up so tight that we don’t have good airflow in and out of there, because we’re trying to control the temperature but sometimes they get them so tight that they just can’t quite get enough air.”

Garoutte emphasizes the importance of having access to water for swine, and for those who house swine outdoors, Garoutte says it’s important to have some sort of structure for hogs to go into, as they aren’t as thick-haired as cattle. Heat lamps can also be used in barns for swine to warm up near if desired. Energy is also important, so having an adequate amount of concentrate feed for swine is essential to keep their energy up in chillier weather.