Loading and transport represent among the most stressful events in a pig's life, with evidence-based handling practices significantly reducing suffering.
Transport distress in pigs involves a cascade of stressors: unfamiliar environment, loss of group social structure, temperature extremes, crowding, and the physical effort of loading and unloading. Each element compounds the others. Well-designed loading facilities with gradual ramps, non-slip flooring, minimal sharp turns, and appropriate lighting reduce resistance and injury. Low-stress handling techniques — calm, quiet movements, appropriate use of sorting boards — reduce cortisol spikes significantly. Short transport distances are the most effective single intervention; local slaughter infrastructure reduces both stress duration and mortality. High welfare production systems often pair transport improvements with local processing to minimize this welfare bottleneck.