Reduced Bedding During Transport of Pigs

June 26, 2012 — 

Research conducted by Texas Tech University shows the use of extra amounts of bedding when transporting pigs offers no benefit to the pig and in summer actually negatively impacts the welfare of the animal, writes Bruce Cochrane.

Researchers with Texas Tech University have been examining the impact of using various amounts of bedding at different temperatures during the transport of pigs on animal welfare.

This research was conducted for a whole year, for winter, January and February, mild weather, March and May and in the summer June and July so the temperature range would be below freezing to about 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

Different amounts of bedding, the levels of bedding, were used and it is three, six and 12 bags of bedding per trailer.

The investigators found that during mild and winter season there is not any benefit of using an extra amount of bedding. During the summer season there is actually a negative impact on the pigs so there is more dead and down using more bedding inside the trailer.

The take-home message to producers is to use a lesser amount of bedding while transporting finishing hogs. Researchers also noted an economic analysis shows in addition to improving animal welfare, by reducing bedding the industry will save at least four million dollars per year just in the cost of bedding.

Source: The Pigsite.com