Transport and lairage of pigs

Publication date: 12/03/2018
Extent: 12 pages

Contributions by: Jennifer M. Young, North Dakota State University, USA

Chapter synopsis: Defects in meat quality cost the swine industry millions of dollars each year. Reduction in stress prior to slaughter can help alleviate these costs. This chapter describes the main events that may contribute to pre-slaughter stress and their impacts on animal welfare and pork quality, from on-farm loading facilities and handling to transportation, lairage and handling at the slaughter facility. The chapter evaluates the effects of different pre-slaughter events on animal welfare and pork quality, and describes what producers, truck drivers and slaughter facilities need to do in order to mitigate these factors.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2017.0013.26