Pigs are among the animals most susceptible to transport stress, with psychological and physiological sensitivity to handling, mixing, heat, and motion creating significant welfare challenges during transport to slaughter.
Pigs experience transport as a significant welfare challenge from multiple simultaneous stressors: novelty of vehicle motion, social disruption from mixing unfamiliar groups, heat, noise, and restraint in unfamiliar spaces. Their social intelligence and emotional sensitivity make these challenges particularly acute. Short journeys, familiar group transport, and well-maintained vehicles dramatically reduce transport welfare impacts.