- Pigs are den-living, home-loving individuals with a poor herding response.
- They dislike being moved, especially from dark to bright light.
- In a panic, they will scatter and race back to their den (pen)
- Loading and unloading pigs for transport, if done incorrectly, can be a stressful activity for the pigs and may result in injury. Bruising, and injuries from having limbs caught in gaps and/or aggression between pigs are all possibilities if pigs are loaded incorrectly or in a hurry.
- Suggestions for loading pigs for transport:
- Mixing unfamiliar pigs in the transport vehicle should be avoided.
- Reduce feed but keep on full water before transport.
- Move them in the early morning.
- Don’t attempt to rush them or punish them.
- Give them time to investigate the situation.
- They’ll go better up a ramp rather than down one.
- Keep the ramp sides fully covered.
- Spread bedding on the ramp.
- Use a feed trail in the direction you want them to go.
- Use a hand-held board for coaxing or to block their direction.
- Don’t beat them or drag them by their ears or tail.
- Awkward individuals can be reversed with a bucket over the nose and eyes.
- If a total shambles develops - go and have a cup of tea and let things settle. By the time you return, they’ll be in the truck on their own!
- Suggestions for transporting pigs:
- Provide plenty of ventilation during the trip.
- Avoid transporting in temperatures above 22° Celcius.
- Park in the shade on hot days. Don’t park for long periods.
- Avoid physical exertion and excitement.
- Don’t feed pigs during the 12 hours before transport.
- Avoid transporting breeds and strains prone to stress.
Reference: MPI Code of Welfare for Pigs, and the Code of Welfare Transport within New Zealand available on the website www.mpi.govt.nz/animal-welfare
