The transport of pigs from farm to slaughter is a significant welfare event. Journey conditions, duration, and handling practices all affect the welfare of millions of animals.
Pig transport is a legally regulated but frequently welfare-compromised activity. The physiological and psychological impact of loading, confinement, motion, unfamiliar environments, and mixing with strange pigs is substantial. Cortisol levels rise dramatically during transport and remain elevated for hours. In hot weather, pigs cannot sweat effectively and rapidly overheat in poorly ventilated vehicles — death from heat stress during summer transport is documented regularly. Electric goads, used to move reluctant pigs, cause pain and fear; low-stress handling alternatives including moving boards are effective and welfare-superior. Reducing transport distances through local slaughter infrastructure, improving vehicle design, and training transport workers in low-stress handling are all achievable welfare improvements.