Transport is one of the most welfare-critical stages of the commercial pig production cycle, causing injury, stress, and death in significant numbers.
Transport is a welfare crisis point for pigs, compressing multiple stressors into a short period. Social mixing provokes fighting; loading causes falls and injuries; confinement in vehicles prevents thermoregulation; noise and vibration elevate stress hormones. Pigs that die in transport are called dead-on-arrival (DOA) — rates that are measurable and preventable. Pigs that survive transport but collapse at the lairage due to exhaustion and stress are called non-ambulatory or "downers." These animals suffer significantly. Journey time limits, vehicle temperature controls, skilled loading with appropriate tools, and lairage rest before slaughter all reduce welfare harms. Independent audit of transport conditions is essential for accountability.