A methodology for mapping current and future heat stress risk in pigs
Journal Article
Heat stress is a global issue constraining pig productivity, and it is likely to intensify under future climate change. Technological
advances in earth observation have made tools available that enable identification and mapping livestock species that are at risk
of exposure to heat stress due to climate change. Here, we present a methodology to map the current and likely future heat
stress risk in pigs using R software by combining the effects of temperature and relative humidity. We applied the method to
growing-finishing pigs in Uganda. We mapped monthly heat stress risk and quantified the number of pigs exposed to heat stress
using 18 global circulation models and projected impacts in the 2050s. Results show that more than 800 000 pigs in Uganda will
be affected by heat stress in the future. The results can feed into evidence-based policy, planning and targeted resource
allocation in the livestock sector.