Heat Stress in Pigs: Faecal Soiling as an Indicator

Pigs soiled with faeces indicate heat stress or poor housing conditions. This factsheet explains that while pigs naturally avoid defecating in resting areas, high temperatures can trigger soiling as a cooling mechanism. Visible faecal soiling signals abnormal behaviour due to inadequate ventilation, overcrowding, or poor pen design—especially on solid or poorly designed flooring. The practice is a welfare indicator requiring management intervention. Daily inspection of soiling levels, particularly in heavier or high-intake pigs, is recommended for compliance with animal welfare standards. This method applies only to indoor-housed pigs without pasture or wallow access.