Transporting pigs to slaughter is a major source of welfare harm. Research on pig transport has generated evidence-based guidelines for reducing stress, injury, and mortality.
Pig transport presents multiple welfare challenges from the moment animals leave their familiar home environment. Mixing unfamiliar pigs causes serious aggression as hierarchies are re-established. Loading onto vehicles using electric prods, ramps, and unfamiliar sights and sounds causes acute stress. During journeys, temperature regulation, ventilation, and space allowance all affect welfare. At the destination, skilled unloading reduces injuries. The link between pre-slaughter stress and meat quality provides a commercial incentive for welfare improvement that has driven industry adoption of pig welfare handling guidelines. Training programs for livestock handlers and drivers demonstrate measurable welfare improvements.