By Andi Anderson
An invention by Purdue University professors Allan Schinckel and Robert M. Stwalley III, has made significant waves in the pork industry.
Their creation, the IHT Cooling Mats, designed to alleviate heat stress in pigs, recently clinched the Producer’s Choice Award at the prestigious World Pork Expo in Des Moines, Iowa.
These mats, now licensed exclusively to IHT Group of Winnipeg for North American distribution, were highlighted during the National Hog Farmer’s 2024 New Product Tour.
The technology is praised for its dual benefits: enhancing animal welfare and improving farm productivity.
Chris Grant, President of IHT Group, emphasized the value of the mats: “By investing in IHT Cooling Mats, pork producers demonstrate a commitment to animal welfare, enhancing their brand reputation and market positioning. Our innovative cooling mats will reduce heat stress, improve production, and enhance animal welfare. After rigorous tests, we have manufactured a cooling mat that has shown incredible results for both sows and boars.”
Research underlines the effectiveness of these cooling pads. Studies published in the Journal of Animal Science have shown that sows using the mats experience lower body temperatures and respiration rates, alongside increased litter growth.
Boars benefit from improved semen quality, directly translating to higher conception rates and healthier offspring.
The implications for the industry are vast. Heat stress, costing the U.S. swine sector around $900 million annually, significantly impacts animal productivity.
The IHT Cooling Mats address this billion-dollar problem and boost crucial metrics like sow milk production and overall piglet health.
The introduction of such innovative solutions marks a transformative step in pig farming. By adopting these cooling mats, producers are ensuring better living conditions for their livestock and are also setting new standards in farm management and animal welfare.
Photo Credit: istock-apichsn
Categories: Indiana, Livestock, Hogs