New HotHog app predicts heat stress in pigs

HotHog, a new smartphone application that predicts heat stress in pigs, is now available for download and use, a team of Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and university scientists announced this week.

Available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, HotHog taps into local weather data to predict the relative comfort or heat stress levels of pigs on an hourly, daily or weekly basis. Swine producers can then use this information to take pre-emptive measures, like ensuring plenty of drinking water, cooling the pigs with fans or mists, and limiting transport to early morning hours.        

The year 2015 was just before a national election – which have major influences on policy paths, administration goals, and how farmers feel about their future.