Transport is one of the most stressful events in a pig's life. The combination of loading, vehicle motion, unfamiliar environments, social mixing, and temperature variation creates a welfare challenge that requires careful management at every stage. Pre-slaughter transport welfare significantly affects both animal welfare and meat quality outcomes.
Pig welfare during transport begins before loading: feed withdrawal (typically 12-18 hours) reduces vomiting and respiratory complications during transit but must not be excessive; water must be available until loading; pigs should be in good health and free from respiratory disease before transport. Lame pigs and those showing signs of Porcine Stress Syndrome are unfit for transport.
Loading is a high-stress period. Low-stress handling principles — calm handlers, correct lighting (pigs move toward light), appropriate ramps with non-slip surfaces — dramatically reduce loading time and animal stress. Electric goads should be used only as a last resort. Research by Temple Grandin and others shows that good facility design eliminates the need for aversive handling in most circumstances.
During transport: stocking density affects lying ability and thermoregulation; ventilation must prevent heat stress (pigs have limited thermoregulatory capacity); mixing of unfamiliar pigs causes fighting; journey duration affects cumulative stress. EU regulations specify maximum journey times and rest requirements, but shorter journeys are always welfare-preferable.
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