A multidisciplinary approach to assess the welfare of weaned pigs during transport at three space allowances.
Transport can be a stressful experience for pigs, especially in pigs simultaneously experiencing weaning stress. The objective of this study was to use a multidisciplinary approach to assess the welfare of weaned pigs during transport at 3 space allowances. A commercial semitrailer, fitted with compartments, provided 0.05, 0.06, and 0.07 m(2)/pig. The study recorded frequency of standing, lying, sitting, and standing-rearing on another pig during the entire duration of transport. Blood samples, body weights, and lesion scores were collected from a subset of pigs (n = 48 per space allowance) in each experimental compartment. Transport time for the pigs was 148.0 +/- 10.0 min to the wean-to-finishing site. Total white blood cell counts, cortisol, and several blood chemistry values increased (p < .05) after transport regardless of space allowance. Glucose and body weight decreased (p < .05) after transport regardless of space allowance. Space allowance influenced stand-rearing, sitting, standing, and lying behaviors in pigs. Combining behavioral and physiological measures of stress provides a robust picture of piglet welfare during transport at different space allowances.
Sutherland
Mhairi A
MA
Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Pork Industry Institute, Texas Tech University, TX, USA.
Bryer
Pamela J
PJ
Davis
Brittany L
BL
McGlone
John J
JJ
D000827:Animal Welfare / Q000592:standards*; D000818:Animals; D006400:Hematocrit / Q000662:veterinary; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis; D006799:Housing, Animal / Q000592:standards*; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood; D007958:Leukocyte Count / Q000662:veterinary; D011187:Posture; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000517:prevention & control; D034421:Sus scrofa / Q000523:psychology*; D013997:Time Factors; D014186:Transportation / Q000592:standards*; D014886:Weaning
D006454:Hemoglobins; D006854:Hydrocortisone