Location: Livestock Behavior Research
Project Number: 5020-32000-013-046-A
Project Type: Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Jun 1, 2018
End Date: Sep 1, 2019
Objective:
The study objectives are 1) to determine the effects of in utero heat stress on the stress response and performance of pigs following weaning and transport, and 2) determine if providing energy dense diets following weaning and transport stress can mitigate the negative effects of in utero heat stress on piglet welfare and performance.
Approach:
To achieve our goal we will subject sows to either thermoneutral or heat stress conditions during gestation at the Cooperator's facility. The progeny will then be transported to another Cooperator where the USDA-ARS is located and behavior, performance, stress response, and metabolism will be assessed. This information will be utilized to provide a nutritional mitigation strategy to producers to reduce the negative impact of in utero heat stress on postnatal stress response and performance of pigs.
