Positive reinforcement training of pigs improves handling compliance, reduces fear responses, and enables welfare assessments with less handling stress.
Positive training transforms routine procedures from welfare-stressful events to neutral or positive interactions for pigs. Voluntary cooperation with veterinary procedures including injections and blood sampling eliminates the fear and restraint stress that causes measurable welfare harm during conventional procedures. Training provides simultaneous cognitive enrichment. The time investment in training returns welfare dividends throughout each pig's life in reduced procedural stress.