Federal Grant Award Summary

The University of Missouri System received a $108,551.70 Project Grant award from the Institute of Food Production and Sustainability under the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI, CFDA 10.310) on March 15, 2026, with a completion date of March 14, 2028. The project addresses pre-weaning piglet mortality and temperature management challenges in pork production by evaluating a precision temperature control approach that allows piglets and sows to experience differentiated thermal conditions within the same barn environment. Rather than maintaining uniform barn temperatures that stress either young animals or lactating sows, the research implements targeted, animal-level temperature control to optimize conditions for piglets while maintaining cooler surroundings preferred by sows.

The primary deliverable is the analysis of data collected from commercial-style housing systems to assess how differential temperature management affects animal behavior, body temperature regulation, growth, and overall performance. Research findings and science-based guidance are disseminated directly to farmers, veterinarians, industry professionals, and extension specialists through publications, meetings, and outreach events. The project aims to produce practical recommendations that reduce piglet mortality, improve sow welfare, enhance production efficiency, and reduce economic losses and energy consumption across the pork production industry if widely adopted.