Ученый из Миссури получил грант USDA на расширение приложения HotHog для защиты свиней от жары

University of Missouri researcher receives USDA grant to expand HotHog app COLUMBIA, Mo — A University of Missouri researcher has received a $1.15 million USDA grant to expand a mobile app that helps pork producers prevent heat stress in pigs. Jay Johnson, an associate professor in Mizzou’s College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, developed the HotHog app to help farmers spot heat-related risks before pigs begin showing symptoms. The app provides location-specific forecasts and alerts so producers can take steps to protect pigs during extreme heat. Pigs are especially vulnerable to high temperatures because they do not sweat. University officials say heat stress can affect animal welfare, slow growth, reduce reproductive performance and in severe cases, lead to death. The grant will help expand the app beyond sows to include weaned pigs and market-weight hogs. Researchers will also use Mizzou facilities to study how pigs respond to heat and improve the app’s recommendations for producers. Johnson launched HotHog in 2023. The free app is now used by more than 2,000 people in more than 50 countries.