Extreme heat: Why shade matters for livestock
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EmailAnimals raised indoors and outdoors can benefit from the application of shade.
When extreme heat hits the Midwest during the summer months, ways to stay cool are at the top of everyone’s mind. This is especially true for livestock farmers, as extreme heat events are problematic for the productivity and welfare of the animals in their care. Many farmers are working and paying to pump heat out of the barn using fans and tunnel ventilation, or direct cooling of animals.
Shade matters
When considering mitigation methods to reduce the impact of high temperatures, farmers should assess the potential of using shade to cool their buildings and incoming air, thereby providing relief to livestock and workers.
Providing shade for swine building structures and air inlets
Shade can significantly reduce the incoming temperature by as much as 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit (5.5-11 degrees Centigrade), depending on various factors. This reduction occurs for both air temperature and surface temperatures, such as those of the building's roof and sidewalls, as well as gravel surfaces.
By shading strategic areas outside the barn, farmers can help regulate the temperature of the air entering the building, especially during hot weather.
- Improved ventilation efficiency: Inlets are crucial for proper ventilation and air circulation within swine facilities. Shading areas of south and west-facing inlets ensures cooler incoming air, making the ventilation system more efficient for optimal temperatures.
How to provide shade for swine building inlets
- Overhanging roof or awning:
- Reduces the amount of direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day.
- Reduces heat absorption by building materials.
- Using an awning of 6-8 feet extends the overhang, especially on south- and west-facing walls, for significant cooling. Use 40% shade cloth
- UV-Blocking Fabric: Hanging a UV-blocking fabric shade near the inlet can also create a shaded area.
- Shade structures:
- Pole-type structures with solid roofs: These offer nearly 100% solar radiation reduction but are permanent and require consideration of snow and wind loads.
- Pole-type structures with shade cloth or snow fence: These are a more cost-effective option, blocking 30-80% of solar radiation.
- Mobile-shaded structures: These offer flexibility and can be easily moved as needed.
- Trees: Large trees with ample leaf coverage can provide natural shade, but their effectiveness depends on location and the ability to integrate them into the facility's design. Studies have shown that trees located within 12.2 meters (40 feet) of the south side of a house and the same tree within 18.3 meters (60 feet) of the west side of a building generate approximately the same shade benefits.
Importance of shade for animals housed outdoors
For years, it has been understood that when housing animals outside, protection from extreme weather is necessary. This includes providing an area where animals can shelter from sunlight. Pigs are vulnerable to overheating because they can’t sweat and rely on environmental factors to cool down. Without proper cooling options, such as shade, pigs may suffer from heat-related illnesses, reduced feed intake, slower weight gain, decreased reproductive performance and even death in extreme cases.
How shade is provided for outdoor pigs
- Natural shade
- Trees and shrubs offer a low-cost, effective way to provide shade. However, the coverage and location may be inconsistent and limited depending on the time of day and season. When selecting trees to provide shade, consider those that are fast-growing, drought-tolerant, and have an open canopy to promote airflow.
- Constructed shade structures
- Farmers often build permanent or portable shade structures using materials like metal roofs, shade cloth, or tarps supported by poles. These allow flexibility in positioning and can be moved the according to the direction of the sun or pasture rotation.
- Hoop houses or shelters
- Semi-enclosed shelters with good ventilation can serve as both shade and protection from wind or rain.
- Shade cloths and tents
- Different types of shade cloths offer varying benefits based on their material, color, and shading percentage (also referred to as shade factor). Selecting the right type can significantly impact pig comfort, durability and farm efficiency.
- UV-resistant shade cloths can be stretched over pens or pasture areas to reduce solar radiation by up to 80%.
- Material types
- Knitted polyethylene (HDPE): Benefits include lightweight, breathable, resists tearing, UV-stabilized, long lifespan (5–10 years). This is good for: Temporary or portable shade setups and areas with wind exposure.
- Woven polypropylene or polyethylene: Benefits include being stronger than knitted versions; provides more consistent shading but has less stretch and flexibility. Additionally, it can fray if cut without sealing.
- Reflective shade cloth: Benefits include reflecting sunlight and heat rather than just blocking it, lowering the ambient temperature beneath. This is suitable for extremely hot climates or high-heat stress periods; however, it comes with a higher cost and can be more fragile.
- Shade percentage/factor - indicates how much sunlight is blocked:
- 30–50% shade: Allows for more light and airflow, making it suitable for cooler climates or areas with partial shade needs.
- 60–80% shade: Ideal for pigs — balances sun protection with adequate ventilation and light.
- 90% or more shade: Maximum sun protection but may restrict airflow and increase humidity under the structure.
Providing accessible, reliable shade is not just a best practice, it’s a necessity for raising healthy pigs. Implementation of shade to cool housing supports animal welfare, enhances performance, and contributes to the sustainability of swine production.