Birth to Slaughter: Best Practices for Pig Handling in Modern Production

Handling pigs properly throughout their growth phases is crucial for maintaining their health, welfare, and productivity. Modern production farms have developed specialised techniques to manage pigs from the nursery stage through to finishing, aiming to minimise stress and promote optimal growth. This article explores these handling techniques, offering insights into best practices for each phase of a pig’s life.

Understanding Pig Growth Phases

Nursery Phase
The nursery phase typically starts when piglets are weaned from their mothers at around three weeks of age and lasts until they are about ten weeks old. During this period, piglets are highly vulnerable and require careful handling to ensure they adapt to their new environment.

Grower Phase
Following the nursery phase, pigs enter the grower phase, which lasts from approximately ten weeks to around 16 weeks of age. This stage focuses on continued growth and development, with handling techniques aimed at promoting a stress-free environment.

Finishing Phase
The finishing phase is the final growth stage, from around 16 weeks until the pigs reach market weight, typically between 22 and 26 weeks. Proper handling during this phase is essential to maintain health and achieve optimal weight gain.

Essential Handling Techniques for Each Growth Phase

Nursery Phase Handling

1. Weaning Transition

Weaning is a critical transition for piglets. Gentle handling during this period helps reduce stress and supports a smoother adjustment to solid food and the new social environment.

• Minimise Handling Stress: Handle piglets calmly and quietly to reduce stress. Use slow movements and avoid sudden noises.
• Small Groups: Move piglets in small groups to minimize stress and reduce the risk of injuries. Modular Penning Systems are great to keep groups of piglets separate and more comfortable.

2. Environment Adjustment

Creating a conducive environment using proven Climate Control Systems in the nursery is essential for the well-being of piglets.

• Temperature Control: Maintain a warm environment, as piglets are sensitive to temperature changes. Ideal temperatures range from 85-90°F (29-32°C) at the start, gradually decreasing as they grow.
• Proper Ventilation: Ensure good ventilation to provide fresh air and reduce humidity and ammonia levels.

3. Feeding and Hydration

Proper nutrition and hydration are crucial during the nursery phase.

• Frequent Feeding: Provide small, frequent meals to encourage feed intake and ensure adequate nutrition. Equipment such as EcoMatic Pro can deliver feed based on age using sensors and a control computer. 
• Clean Water Supply: Ensure a constant supply of clean, fresh water to promote hydration and overall health.

Grower Phase Handling

1. Social Group Management
As pigs grow, managing social groups becomes important to prevent aggression and stress.

• Consistent Grouping: Keep pigs in consistent groups to maintain social stability and reduce fighting.
• Space Allocation: Provide adequate space to allow pigs to move freely and establish their social hierarchy.

2. Environmental Enrichment

Enriching the environment helps reduce boredom and stress, promoting better growth. Innovations such as the Havito Welfare Barn provides multiple functional ‘areas’ for pigs to live, eat and grow. 

• Toys and Objects: Provide toys and objects for pigs to interact with, such as balls or chains.
• Rooting Opportunities: Offer materials like straw or sawdust for rooting, catering to pigs’ natural behaviours.

3. Health Monitoring
Regular health monitoring ensures early detection and treatment of any issues.

• Daily Observations: Conduct daily health checks to monitor for signs of illness or injury.
• Vaccinations and Treatments: Follow a consistent vaccination and treatment schedule to prevent diseases.

Finishing Phase Handling

1. Weight Management

Monitoring weight gain is crucial during the finishing phase to ensure pigs reach market weight efficiently.

• Regular Weighing: Weigh pigs regularly to monitor growth and adjust feeding strategies as needed. AI-powered automations such as Weight Check provides an accurate overview of a group of 15 to 25 finishing pigs. 
• Balanced Diet: Provide a balanced diet tailored to the nutritional needs of finishing pigs, focusing on optimal weight gain.

2. Stress Reduction
Minimising stress is essential to maintain health and productivity during the finishing phase.

• Calm Handling: Handle pigs calmly during movement and transportation to reduce stress and prevent injuries.
• Minimise Noise: Keep noise levels low, as pigs are sensitive to loud and sudden sounds.

3. Pre-Slaughter Handling
Proper handling before slaughter is critical to ensure meat quality and animal welfare.

• Gentle Loading: Load pigs onto transport vehicles gently, using ramps and non-slip surfaces.
• Short Transport Times: Minimise transport times to reduce stress and prevent fatigue.
• Rest Periods: Provide rest periods before slaughter to allow pigs to recover from transport stress.

General Best Practices for Pig Handling

1. Training and Education
Ensuring that farm staff are well-trained in pig handling techniques is crucial for maintaining animal welfare and productivity.

• Regular Training: Provide regular training sessions for all staff on proper handling techniques and animal welfare.
• Standard Operating Procedures: Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for handling pigs at each growth phase.

2. Biosecurity Measures

Implementing strict biosecurity measures helps prevent disease outbreaks and ensures the health of the pigs.

• Clean Facilities: Maintain clean and sanitised facilities to reduce the risk of disease transmission.
• Controlled Access: Limit access to pig housing areas to essential personnel only.

3. Technology Integration

Modern technology can enhance pig handling practices and improve overall farm management.

• Automated Feeding Systems: Use automated feeding systems such as PicNic & PicNic Jumbo ensures consistent and accurate feed delivery.
• Health Monitoring Devices: Implement health monitoring devices, such as temperature sensors and activity trackers, to detect early signs of illness.

Effective pig handling throughout their growth phases is essential for ensuring their health, welfare, and productivity. By employing tailored techniques for the nursery, grower, and finishing phases, modern production farms can minimise stress, promote optimal growth, and maintain high standards of animal welfare. Training, biosecurity, and technology integration further enhance these practices, contributing to the success and sustainability of pig farming operations.

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This article is intended as general information only. Please consult with a qualified veterinarian and/or animal nutritionist for specific advise.