Do pigs really get sunburned?

Question

just wondering......

Answer 1

Pigs are prone to dry skin problems and light colored pigs can get sunburned. Skin lotions and sunscreens may be needed to keep your pigs skin in good heath.

Sunburn

This is a common condition in sows outdoors particularly in non pigmented breeds.

Ultra violet radiation not only damages the skin but also has an effect on the reproductive system and the maintenance of pregnancy.

Symptoms

Piglets

Reddened skin.

Sows

Reddened skin.

Blistering.

Wet dermatitis.

Pigs show pain / discomfort.

Illness.

Reabsorption of embryos.

Irregular returns.

Abortions.

Will not accept boar at mating.

Weaners & Growers

Reddened skin.

Blistering.

Wet dermatitis.

Pigs show pain / discomfort.

Illness.

Causes /Contributing factors

Non pigmented breeding stock.

Lack of shades.

Lack of wallows.

Poor maintenance of wallows.

Brassica tops e.g. turnips, parsnips may predispose.

Diagnosis

This is by the clinical signs.

Answer 2

Yes. They have hair but it's coarse and spread around and doesn't really cover their skin. Kind of like the hair on your arms.

Answer 3

Yes, that's why they like mud--to protect themselves.

Answer 4

yes, pigs, humans and hippopottomi all sunburn very easily

Answer 5

yea that is why they are always in wet mud

Answer 6

Absoulutely yes.  In fact sometimes we put sunscreen on them, but usually we just make sure they have shade.

Answer 7

They aren't the only ones.  Elephants and hippopotomi both use mud as sunscreen, and elephants have been observed making "hats" of straw and vegetation.