Pig transport is a major welfare event that causes stress, injury, and death, with measurable indicators that can guide improvements.
Pig transport welfare is measurable through behavioral, physiological, and mortality indicators that provide clear targets for improvement. Loading is the highest-stress phase, requiring skilled handlers using low-stress techniques. Journey duration, temperature, and vehicle density determine welfare during transport. Pre-slaughter lairage provides an opportunity to reduce stress before slaughter if managed well, or can compound transport stress if poorly managed. The strong correlation between transport welfare and meat quality provides an economic incentive that aligns with welfare improvement.