Pig Farming

Pig Welfare at Slaughter Transport

Transport to slaughter is one of the highest-stress events in a pig's life, requiring careful management to minimise suffering during the final journey.

Key Facts

Transport stress in pigs is measurable through cortisol, meat quality indicators, and behaviour
Journey times over 4 hours are associated with increased pig mortality and stress
Loading is the most stressful phase due to unfamiliar handling and ramp navigation
Pigs transported in hot weather face heat stress mortality risk
Well-designed lairage with appropriate stocking density reduces pre-slaughter stress

Welfare Considerations

Pigs that have lived their entire lives in stable groups face the final trauma of transport with unfamiliar animals, handling, and movement. Each element - loading, transport, unloading, lairage - adds to cumulative stress. Minimising journey time, using experienced loaders with low-stress handling techniques, and providing appropriate lairage conditions reduce but cannot eliminate the welfare cost of this unavoidable final journey.

What You Can Do

Support legislation requiring maximum journey times for pigs to slaughter
Choose pork from local supply chains minimising transport distance
Advocate for stockperson training in low-stress pig handling as a welfare standard