To keep swine warm in winter, provide ample, dry bedding like straw or wood shavings, ensure a draft-free and well-insulated shelter, and maintain access to unfrozen water. You can also supplement their diet with extra feed, which helps them generate body heat, or use supplemental heat sources such as heat lamps or radiant heaters if necessary.  

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Provide shelter and bedding

• Ensure a windbreak

• Use structures like huts or even hay bales to block wind, which is a major source of heat loss for pigs

• Offer deep bedding

• Use plenty of dry, deep bedding such as straw or wood shavings to provide insulation. This should be kept clean and dry

• Repair infrastructure

• Fix any holes or damage to barns and shelters to prevent cold drafts and keep the wind out

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Manage food and water

• Increase feed:  Pigs will consume more feed in cold weather to generate body heat. You may need to increase their feed portions

• Provide unfrozen water:  Ensure pigs always have access to clean water. Use heated waterers or tank heaters to prevent it from freezing

• Use supplemental heat safely

• Heat lamps: Use heat lamps in covered areas, but be aware of fire hazards and ensure they are safely installed

• Other heaters:  If using gas or electric heaters, make sure they are properly cleaned and adjusted for the winter climate. Use them in conjunction with a temperature controller to prevent "heater overshoot" and waste

• Use a temperature controller: Set the temperature controller to create a 2-degree Fahrenheit difference between the heater turning off and the fan turning on. This prevents wide temperature swings and saves energy

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Other considerations

• Monitor health: Check on the pigs daily to ensure they are healthy and not showing signs of cold stress

• Plan for emergencies: Have a backup plan, such as a generator, in case of a power outage

• Choose appropriate breeds: If possible, select breeds that are well-suited to colder weather, as some are naturally heartier and have more fat for insulation