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The HotHog Days of Summer: New App Predicts Heat Stress in Pigs

The hot summer months are upon us, and a team at USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and university scientists recently announced a new smartphone application, HotHog, to help predict heat stress in pigs.

Utilizing local weather data, the app predicts relative comfort or heat stress levels of pigs on an hourly, daily or weekly basis, says the release. Swine producers may then use this information to determine the pigs’ needs, including the adjustment of ventilation rates, utilizing sprinklers and ensuring free access to abundant, cool water. 

Heat stress in pigs costs the U.S. swine industry an estimated $481 million in revenue losses each year, notes the release, while Jay S. Johnson, animal scientist who leads the ARS’s Livestock Behavior Research Unit in West Lafayette, Ind., says ensuring positive welfare and productivity in pigs will be even more critical in the face of global climate change.

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Growing Fast! Comparing Our Suffolk & Dorset Lambs

Video: Growing Fast! Comparing Our Suffolk & Dorset Lambs

Comparing Suffolk and Dorset lambs today! Lambing season is winding down at Ewetopia Farms, giving us the perfect opportunity to check in on how all our lambs are growing! Today, we take a closer look at the different age groups from waves one and two of this year's lambing season, comparing the growth and traits of our Suffolk and Dorset lambs. It’s amazing to see their progress! Join us on our working sheep farm in Ontario, Canada for a cuteness overload as we get up close and personal with these adorable, fast-growing lambs.