ISSUE FOCUS 70 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE July 2025 and acid-base imbalances that compromise cellular and gut function (Huynh et al., 2005). Oral Rehydration & Isotonic Solutions Hydration alone is not enough during periods of heat stress. What animals need is targeted intestinal support. Isotonic protein solutions offer both, delivering water, electrolytes and nutrients directly to the enterocytes (the intestinal cells responsible for nutrient absorption), where gut function and systemic resilience are most under pressure. In piglets, large-scale trial data involving nearly 250,000 animals show that administering a 3% isotonic solution from day 2 to 8 of life is associated with a consistent 22% reduction in pre-weaning mortality. Under heat stress conditions, these benefits become even more pronounced. In a Spanish farm trial conducted during a summer heatwave, piglets receiving this supplementation weaned an average of 0.71 more piglets per litter, with a 54% drop in mortality and 62% fewer fall-behinds. The benefits extend beyond the farrowing crate. Using such solutions after weaning has been shown to increase water intake by up to 1.7 times, which is crucial when appetite is suppressed and heat load is high. This improved hydration supports gut stability and fosters a healthier microbial balance, reducing the risk of digestive disturbances at a vulnerable stage. Support is not limited to piglets. A 2022 summer trial in Romania demonstrated that supplementation with Tonisity PxW during the first week of farrowing led to a 71% reduction in sow mortality (P=0.09) during periods of extreme heat (35– 40°C). Sows showed increased water consumption and improved lactation performance, underscoring the value of early hydration and nutritional support under such stressful conditions. Whether for young piglets or lactating sows, isotonic protein solutions provide a fast, practical tool to help animals cope with the physiological burden of heat stress, helping farms protect both animal welfare and profitability. Environmental Interventions Creating a stable microclimate is one of the most immediate and effective strategies to protect pigs from heat stress. Key interventions include: • Ensuring proper ventilation to maintain airflow and regulate humidity, • Using evaporative cooling systems such as sprinklers, misters, or cooling pads, • Providing adequate shade and insulation to reduce heat load, Skin reddening Recognising Heat Stress in Pigs Panting Higher Blood pH Increased Rectal Temperature Reduced Milk Production Reduced Fertility Dog-Sitting Posture Source: Tonisity Lethargy Reduced Growth Increased Water Intake Open-Mouth Breathing Reduced Feed Intake
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