Purdue-Developed Hog-Cooling Tech Hits Market

Sep 04, 2023

Innovative Solution to Heat Stress

Heatwaves affect not only humans but also livestock. For hogs, rising temperatures can lead to decreased feed intake, milk output, and overall growth.
This challenge caught the attention of scientists at Purdue University, leading to a groundbreaking solution.

Purdue’s Answer to Overheating

Designed by experts from Purdue University's Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering and Animal Sciences, these unique cooling pads are the next big thing in swine care.
Measuring 2 feet by 4 feet, they consist of:

Aluminum tread plates
Copper pipes that circulate water
Sensors for temperature control

Upon sensing an overheated hog, the pads initiate water circulation to maintain an optimal cool temperature.

Benefits of the Cooling Pads

Thanks to these pads:

For Sows: Reduced heat stress, increased feed intake, enhanced milk production, and overall improved welfare.
For Piglets: A notable 26% rise in weaning weight and a 7.2% uptick in feed intake.
For Boars: Maintained semen quality with a reduction in heat stress-related abnormalities.

Francisco Cabezon, from Pipestone Research, highlighted the severe implications of overheating, particularly emphasizing its negative impacts on reproduction.

With this technology, farmers can expect healthier animals that grow better and have a higher survival rate.

Heading to the Market

The Winnipeg-based IHT Group, a division of Decisive Dividend Corp., plans to introduce this product to the North American market in spring 2024.

As Chris Grant, IHT president, puts it, "Farmers benefit when their swine aren’t affected by heat stress."

With the promise of a paradigm shift in hog production, the focus is now on refining these pads further, possibly using stainless steel pipes instead of copper for optimized performance.

In the ever-evolving world of agriculture, the integration of technology and science remains crucial.

Purdue's hog-cooling pads, backed by the IHT Group, represent a significant leap towards more sustainable and welfare-oriented farming.

Remember, when it comes to farming, every innovation counts!

Video: Overview of Massey Ferguson's DM Series Triple Mowers

Lucas Dickerson with Massey Ferguson provides an overview of its DM Series Triple Mower, a high-performance mowing solution designed for efficiency, durability, and versatility in hay and forage operations.

This model features an overall working width of 32 feet, with a 12-foot front mower, allowing operators to cover more acres in less time. Built for productivity, it combines proven cutting technology with operator-focused innovations to ensure consistent, high-quality results in every field.

Key features:
>> RazorEdge Cutter Bar is shared with Massey Ferguson’s pull-type mowers for part commonality—farmers can use the same knives, turtles, and components across multiple machines.
>> Herringbone steel-on-steel conditioning rolls provide an industry-exclusive feature that delivers optimal crop crimping performance across a variety of forages.
>> Available with or without ISOBUS capability to accommodate different tractor configurations and customer needs.
>> Front and rear mower suspension provides a smooth ride and consistent cut, while ISOBUS-equipped units allow on-the-go suspension adjustments for better ground following.
>> Simplified part interchangeability means less downtime and lower ownership costs.

Protect your cords on the farm

Grants available to help with equipment purchases