Moving and transporting pigs

• Pigs are den-living, home-loving individuals with a poor herding response.
• They dislike being moved, especially from dark into bright light.
• In panic they will scatter and race back to their den (pen) -even when it’s burning down!
• Loading and unloading pigs for transport is a stressful and damaging time. Pigs can be pushed, bruised, get limbs caught down gaps, meet new pigs and fight.
• Suggestions for loading pigs:
  • Select the pigs and put them with their fellow travelers’ the night before in an unfamiliar pen.
  • Reduce feed but keep on full water.
  • 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 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 above 22Celcius.
  • 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: MAF's Code of Recommendations andn Minimum Standards for the Transportation of Pigs (1998)