Regular positive contact between humans and pigs during early life improves welfare outcomes and reduces fear-based stress throughout the production cycle.
The relationship between stockpeople and pigs is a welfare determinant that operates through daily behavioral interactions. Pigs that have learned through experience that humans are safe approach management procedures without the acute fear response that makes routine tasks stressful for both animals and handlers. Research documenting the effects of stockperson attitude and handling quality on pig welfare provides evidence that human behavior is a fundamental component of farm animal welfare that technology and physical design cannot replace.