Influence of loading handling and facilities on the subsequent response to pre-slaughter stress in pigs

At all times prior to arrival at the slaughter plant, pigs may experience stress from a range of on-farm handling practices. The quality of the design of the loading facilities and of the handling procedures plays a key role in determining the effects of the farm on pig response to preslaughter stress, as it may contribute to improve to reduce the load time, the staff workload and stress in pigs. Poor handling management will impair pigs' movement during loading, leading to rougher handling and stressful experiences, and ultimately reduced welfare. Thus, this paper overviews the effects of on-farm handling management factors during loading that may influence the response of pigs to pre-slaughter stress. In addition, this paper provides recommendations on how to sort and move pigs to the loading dock and into the truck. Handling practices (tools, group size, use of shipping pens, mixing) and physical features of the barn, such as light and sound, and alley and exit design (length, width and shape) will be examined. The design of the loading dock will also be discussed, in regards to the ramp design (bedding, cleat spacing and angle) and its alternatives.