{"id":20485,"date":"2026-10-09T16:47:27","date_gmt":"2026-10-09T09:47:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vietstock.org\/?p=20485"},"modified":"2026-10-09T18:57:58","modified_gmt":"2026-10-09T11:57:58","slug":"hypothermia-in-piglets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vietstock.org\/en\/industry-news\/hypothermia-in-piglets\/","title":{"rendered":"Hypothermia in Pigs: Signs, Causes, and Initial Management"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hypothermia in pigs occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can generate and retain enough heat to maintain normal physiological functions. The condition is particularly dangerous in newborn piglets because they are wet at birth, have limited insulation, low energy reserves, and <\/span>immature thermoregulatory capacity<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

The greatest risk occurs immediately after birth and during the first few hours of life. Low-birth-weight piglets, piglets that are slow to reach the udder, or those that do not receive enough colostrum are at greater risk because hypothermia and energy deficiency can create a vicious cycle: the colder the piglet becomes, the weaker it becomes and the less effectively it suckles, while reduced milk intake further limits its ability to produce heat.<\/span><\/p>\n

Effective management therefore involves more than simply \u201cturning on a heat lamp.\u201d It requires a combination of <\/span>drying the piglet, providing an appropriate microclimate, assessing its reflexes, supporting timely colostrum intake, and identifying animals that require professional intervention<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

When a piglet is cold: what should be prioritised?<\/b><\/h2>\n
    \n
  • Move the piglet away from the cold area and dry it<\/b>
    \n<\/b> Newborn piglets lose heat rapidly when they remain wet, lie on a cold surface, or are exposed to direct draughts. Drying the piglet and moving it to a warm area should be among the first priorities.<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Assess whether the piglet is alert and able to swallow<\/b>
    \n<\/b> Observe its ability to stand, search for the udder, suckle, swallow, and breathe normally. Rectal temperature provides a more objective assessment than relying only on how cold the ears or skin feel.<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Support suckling only when the piglet is sufficiently alert<\/b>
    \n<\/b> Once the piglet is warmer, has a swallowing reflex, and is breathing relatively normally, it should be helped to access colostrum. Do not force milk or other fluids into the mouth of a piglet that lacks a swallowing reflex because of the risk of aspiration.<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Do not focus only on the individual piglet \u2014 check the entire farrowing area<\/b>
    \n<\/b> If several piglets are cold or weak, assess the heat source, wet flooring, draughts, colostrum access, and sow health. The heating area should create a <\/span>separate microclimate for piglets<\/b> rather than overheating the entire farrowing room.<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Severe signs require early professional assessment<\/b>
    \n<\/b> Piglets that are motionless, unable to stand, breathing abnormally, lacking a swallowing reflex, having seizures, or continuing to deteriorate despite warming should not simply be left under observation.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    1. What is hypothermia in pigs?<\/b><\/h2>\n
    \"Farm
    Hypothermia occurs when a pig loses heat faster than it can generate and retain enough heat to maintain normal physiological functions.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    Hypothermia occurs when body temperature falls below the level required to maintain normal physiological functions.<\/span><\/h2>\n

    Rectal temperature in healthy pigs is commonly around <\/span>38.7\u201339.8\u00b0C<\/b>, although actual values may vary according to:<\/span><\/p>\n