What is the primary risk if a pig overheats?

The primary risk if a pig overheats is that it could die from heat stroke. Pigs are particularly susceptible to heat stress because they lack functional sweat glands, which makes it difficult for them to regulate their body temperature through sweating as many other animals do. Instead, pigs rely on behaviors such as wallowing in mud or water to cool off. When pigs become overheated, it can lead to a dangerous condition known as heat stroke, which can result in various severe physiological effects including organ failure and, ultimately, death if not addressed promptly.

Heat stroke occurs when the animal's body temperature rises to dangerously high levels, which can disrupt normal metabolic functions and affect the cardiovascular system. Prompt intervention is crucial to prevent fatality, making awareness of the signs of overheating and providing adequate cooling measures vital for the welfare of the animal.