During transport, piglets can experience numerous stressors, including feed and water deprivation, handling at loading and unloading, extreme temperatures, vibrations and noise. However, it is not known whether the combined impacts of weaning and transport overlap, are additive, or synergistic. The effects of long duration transports are of particular concern, but little research is available particularly under Canadian conditions. Research is needed on the effects of long transports, including food and water deprivation, on piglet welfare during and after transport. This research will aid greatly in identifying best practices for transport, provide a basis for transport policy, and direction for future study and improvement. Initial results on a study comparing long and short transport durations indicate there was no difference in mortality between the two groups.
Effects of long distance transport on the health and welfare of early weaned pigs (full article)
