# Pig Handling and Transport: Welfare and Best Practices


## Key Takeaways

- Low-stress handling of pigs necessitates understanding their flight zone and point of balance, utilizing visual cues like consistent lighting and avoiding shadows, and employing auditory management by speaking calmly and minimizing sudden noises to prevent panic and injury.
- Facility design is critical, with curved races, solid sides, non-slip flooring, and appropriate width (40-50 cm for market-weight pigs) reducing balking and falls, while holding pens require adequate space (0.5-0.7 m² per market-weight pig) and water availability if holding exceeds 30 minutes.
- Loading ramp specifications are paramount, requiring a maximum angle of 20 degrees with non-slip surfaces and solid side walls, and loading should occur in small groups (5-8 pigs) using handling aids like paddles or flags, avoiding electric prods which significantly elevate cortisol levels.
- Transport vehicle requirements include adjustable ventilation for airflow control to prevent respiratory distress and hyperthermia, adequate floor space (0.4-0.5 m² per 100 kg pig for short journeys), and temperature monitoring systems due to pigs' susceptibility to heat stress.
- Pre-transport management, including an 8-12 hour feed withdrawal period (with water available) to reduce motion sickness and mortality, and a thorough health assessment to exclude compromised animals, is crucial for mitigating transport risks.
- A formal transport risk assessment framework, evaluating animal fitness, vehicle readiness, environmental conditions, journey duration, and contingency planning, with a decision matrix guiding go/no-go shipments based on a total risk score, is essential for preventing welfare failures.

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This article provides swine producers and transporters with evidence-based guidance on low-stress handling techniques, facility design, loading ramp specifications, transport vehicle requirements, and welfare regulations. The content draws on official sources from the USDA Agricultural Research Service, USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Merck Veterinary Manual, FAO Animal Production and Health division, and USDA National Agricultural Library. Practical management decisions, record-keeping protocols, and professional escalation criteria are included to support on-farm implementation.

## At a Glance: Key Welfare and Handling Considerations

| Aspect | Recommended Practice | Common Failure Pattern |
|--------|---------------------|----------------------|
| Handling aids | Use paddles, flags, or plastic boards, avoid electric prods | Excessive use of electric prods increases stress and injury risk |
| Loading ramp angle | Maximum 20 degrees with non-slip flooring | Steep ramps cause slips, falls, and refusal to load |
| Group size during movement | 5-8 pigs per group for market-weight animals | Overcrowding leads to trampling and heat stress |
| Transport floor space | 0.4-0.5 m² per 100 kg pig (varies by climate and duration) | Underflooring causes bruising and death loss |
| Pre-transport feed withdrawal | 8-12 hours before loading | Full stomach increases motion sickness and mortality |
| Ventilation during transport | Adjustable side panels for passive or mechanical airflow | Stagnant air causes respiratory distress and hyperthermia |
| Rest period after arrival | Minimum 2-3 hours before handling or slaughter | Immediate handling elevates cortisol and reduces meat quality |

## Low-Stress Handling Principles

Pigs are highly sensitive to environmental stressors and respond poorly to forceful handling. The USDA Agricultural Research Service provides resources on animal production and protection that emphasize the importance of understanding swine behavior for effective handling. Pigs have a wide field of vision but poor depth perception, making shadows, reflections, and sudden movements significant stressors.

### Flight Zone and Point of Balance

The flight zone is the personal space around an animal that, when entered, causes it to move away. For pigs, the flight zone typically extends 3-10 meters depending on prior handling experience. The point of balance is located at the shoulder. Approaching from behind the shoulder moves the pig forward, approaching from in front of the shoulder causes backward movement. Handlers should work at the edge of the flight zone, not deep inside it, to avoid panic.

### Vision and Lighting Considerations

Pigs are attracted to light but avoid dark areas. Handling facilities should have even, diffuse lighting without glare or deep shadows. A study on bioaerosol sampling for airborne respiratory viruses in an experimental medicine pig handling facility in Singapore documented that pigs in well-lit, consistent environments showed reduced stress behaviors. Handlers should avoid backlighting that creates silhouettes, as pigs will refuse to move toward dark passages.

### Vocalization and Auditory Sensitivity

Pigs have sensitive hearing and are distressed by loud, sudden noises. The Merck Veterinary Manual notes that management and nutrition practices should minimize noise during handling. Handlers should speak in low, calm tones and avoid shouting. Metal gates and equipment should be fitted with rubber stops to reduce clanging.

## Facility Design for Efficient Handling

Proper facility design reduces stress on pigs and handlers while improving throughput. The FAO Animal Production and Health division provides guidance on livestock facility design that applies to swine operations. Key design elements include curved races, solid sides, and non-slip flooring.

### Race and Chute Design

Races should be curved instead of straight to prevent pigs from seeing the end and balking. Curved races with solid sides prevent pigs from seeing distractions outside the handling area. Race width should be 40-50 cm for market-weight pigs to prevent turning around. Single-file races should have a minimum length of 6-8 meters to allow smooth flow.

### Non-Slip Flooring

Concrete floors in handling areas should have a broom finish or grooved surface to provide traction. Wet or smooth concrete causes slips and falls, leading to bruising and stress. Rubber matting can be installed in high-traffic areas such as loading ramps. The USDA National Agricultural Library provides resources on animal health and welfare that include flooring recommendations for swine facilities.

### Holding Pens

Holding pens should provide 0.5-0.7 m² per market-weight pig. Pens should have solid sides to reduce visual distractions and allow pigs to settle before handling. Water should be available if holding time exceeds 30 minutes. Overcrowding in holding pens increases aggression and stress.

## Loading Ramps and Procedures

Loading is one of the most stressful events in the pig production cycle. Proper ramp design and loading procedures reduce injury, mortality, and meat quality defects. The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service provides information on swine health that includes transport-related disease risks.

### Ramp Angle and Surface

The maximum recommended ramp angle is 20 degrees. Steeper ramps cause pigs to refuse loading and increase fall risk. Ramps should have non-slip surfaces with cross-grooves or cleats spaced 15-20 cm apart. Side walls should be solid and at least 90 cm high to prevent pigs from seeing over the edge.

### Hydraulic and Adjustable Ramps

Hydraulic ramps that adjust to different truck bed heights reduce the angle and improve pig flow. Fixed ramps should be designed for the most common truck height on the farm. Ramps should be cleaned and disinfected between loads to prevent disease transmission.

### Loading Procedures

Pigs should be moved in small groups of 5-8 animals. Handlers should use paddles or flags to guide movement, not electric prods. The study on serum cortisol concentration in swine submitted to pre-slaughter handling and electric stunning documented that electric prod use significantly elevates stress markers. Pigs that refuse to load should be given time to settle instead of forced.

## Transport Vehicle Requirements

Transport vehicles must provide adequate ventilation, temperature control, and floor space to maintain pig welfare during transit. The FAO Animal Production and Health division provides international guidelines for livestock transport.

### Ventilation Systems

Vehicles should have adjustable side panels that allow passive ventilation at low speeds and mechanical ventilation at high speeds. Air inlets should be positioned to avoid direct drafts on pigs. During hot weather, additional fans or misting systems may be necessary. The study on characterization of an influenza A virus isolated from pigs during an outbreak of respiratory disease in swine and people at a county fair demonstrated that poor ventilation during transport and holding increases respiratory disease transmission risk.

### Floor Space Allowances

Floor space allowances vary by pig weight, climate, and transport duration. General guidelines recommend 0.4-0.5 m² per 100 kg pig for short journeys under 8 hours. Longer journeys require more space. Overcrowding causes heat stress, bruising, and death loss. Underflooring allows pigs to lie down but increases fighting.

### Temperature Monitoring

Vehicles should be equipped with temperature monitoring systems that alert drivers to dangerous conditions. Pigs are highly susceptible to heat stress because they lack functional sweat glands. The threshold for heat stress begins at 25°C with high humidity. During cold weather, bedding should be provided to prevent hypothermia.

## Pre-Transport Management

Pre-transport management decisions directly affect pig welfare and meat quality. Feed withdrawal, sorting, and health checks should be completed before loading.

### Feed Withdrawal

Feed should be withdrawn 8-12 hours before transport to reduce the risk of motion sickness, vomiting, and death loss. Longer withdrawal periods cause hunger and stress. Water should be available until loading. The Merck Veterinary Manual provides guidance on pre-transport nutrition management.

### Health Assessment

Only healthy pigs should be loaded for transport. Sick, injured, or compromised pigs are at higher risk of death during transport. A veterinarian should assess any pigs showing signs of respiratory distress, lameness, or fever. The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service provides swine health guidelines that include transport fitness criteria.

### Sorting and Grouping

Pigs should be sorted by size and weight before loading to reduce fighting during transport. Mixing unfamiliar pigs increases aggression and stress. Groups should remain stable from farm to destination.

## Transport Duration and Rest Stops

Transport duration directly impacts pig welfare. Long journeys require rest stops with access to water and, for very long journeys, feed.

### Maximum Transport Times

Regulations in many jurisdictions limit continuous transport time to 8-12 hours. For journeys exceeding 8 hours, rest stops of at least 1 hour should be provided. During rest stops, vehicles should be parked in shaded areas with ventilation maintained.

### Water and Feed During Transport

For journeys exceeding 12 hours, pigs should have access to water. Some vehicles are equipped with drinking nipples. Feed is generally not provided during transport because pigs are unlikely to eat while moving.

### Emergency Protocols

Drivers should have written emergency protocols for breakdowns, accidents, or extreme weather. Contact information for veterinarians and animal welfare authorities should be carried in the vehicle. The USDA National Agricultural Library provides resources on emergency planning for livestock transport.

## Welfare Indicators and Monitoring

Producers and transporters should monitor welfare indicators before, during, and after transport. The study on a new supporting tool for pig handling in the breeding-slaughterhouse production chain described a systematic approach to welfare assessment.

### Behavioral Indicators

Stress behaviors include vocalization, panting, trembling, and attempts to escape. Pigs that are lying down and resting during transport are generally coping well. Aggression, mounting, and fighting indicate stress from mixing or overcrowding.

### Physiological Indicators

Elevated heart rate, respiration rate, and body temperature indicate stress. Serum cortisol levels increase in response to handling stress, as documented in the study on serum cortisol concentration in swine submitted to pre-slaughter handling and electric stunning. Producers cannot measure cortisol on farm but can observe clinical signs.

### Injury and Mortality Records

Death loss during transport should be recorded and investigated. Common causes include heat stress, suffocation, and trauma. Bruising and lameness should be documented at the destination. The threshold effect of swine epidemics on the pig supply in China study demonstrated that transport-related stress increases disease susceptibility.

## Common Failure Patterns

Understanding common failure patterns helps producers and transporters prevent welfare problems.

### Overcrowding

Overcrowding is the most common transport failure. Pigs cannot lie down, leading to exhaustion and death. Drivers should verify floor space before departure and refuse to overload.

### Poor Ventilation

Blocked vents, closed panels, or mechanical failure cause respiratory distress. Drivers should check ventilation at every stop and adjust for weather conditions.

### Rough Handling

Electric prods, shouting, and fast movement cause panic and injury. Handlers should be trained in low-stress techniques and evaluated regularly.

### Inadequate Ramp Design

Steep, slippery, or poorly lit ramps cause falls and refusal to load. Ramps should be inspected before each use and repaired as needed.

## Records and Measurements

Accurate records support welfare improvement and regulatory compliance.

### Pre-Transport Checklist

A pre-transport checklist should include:
- Health assessment of each pig
- Feed withdrawal time
- Vehicle ventilation check
- Floor space calculation
- Ramp inspection
- Driver training verification

### Transport Log

A transport log should record:
- Departure time and location
- Pig count and weight
- Ambient temperature and humidity
- Ventilation settings
- Rest stop times and locations
- Arrival time and condition

### Post-Transport Assessment

Post-transport assessment should include:
- Mortality count and cause
- Injury and bruising incidence
- Behavioral observations
- Meat quality defects (pale, soft, exudative meat)

## Professional Escalation Criteria

Producers and transporters should seek professional assistance when:
- Death loss exceeds 0.5% during transport
- Multiple pigs show signs of respiratory distress
- Pigs refuse to load despite proper handling
- Vehicle ventilation or temperature control fails
- Pigs arrive with severe bruising or lameness
- Disease outbreak is suspected

A veterinarian should be consulted for health concerns. The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service provides contact information for swine health authorities.

## Transport Risk Assessment and Decision Framework for Pig Shipments

Transport risk assessment provides a structured method for evaluating whether a planned pig movement is safe and welfare-compliant before loading begins. Many welfare failures during transport result from decisions made hours or days before the truck arrives, not from events during the journey itself. A formal risk assessment framework helps producers and transporters identify hazards, assign risk levels, and make go or no-go decisions based on objective criteria. The USDA Agricultural Research Service provides resources on animal production and protection that support systematic risk evaluation in livestock operations.

### Risk Assessment Components

A complete transport risk assessment addresses five domains: animal fitness, vehicle readiness, environmental conditions, journey duration, and contingency planning. Each domain receives a score from 1 (low risk) to 5 (high risk). The total score determines whether the shipment proceeds, requires mitigation measures, or is postponed.

#### Animal Fitness Assessment

Animal fitness is the most critical risk factor. Pigs that are compromised before loading have significantly higher mortality risk during transport. The study on serum cortisol concentration in swine submitted to pre-slaughter handling and electric stunning demonstrated that pre-existing stress elevates physiological strain during transport. Assess each pen or group for:

- Respiratory rate above 40 breaths per minute at rest
- Rectal temperature above 39.5 degrees Celsius
- Visible lameness or reluctance to bear weight
- Body condition score below 2 on a 5-point scale
- Skin lesions or fresh injuries
- Signs of diarrhea or dehydration

Any pig showing two or more of these signs should be removed from the transport group. If more than 5 percent of a pen shows abnormalities, the entire pen should be held for veterinary assessment. The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service provides swine health guidelines that include fitness-for-transport criteria.

#### Vehicle Readiness Verification

Vehicle readiness includes structural integrity, ventilation function, floor surface condition, and cleanliness. Inspect before each load:

- Side panel adjustment mechanisms operate freely
- Ventilation fans or passive vents are unobstructed
- Floor surfaces are dry and free of manure buildup
- Non-slip surfaces have adequate tread depth
- Internal partitions are secure and free of sharp edges
- Temperature monitoring sensors are calibrated and functional

A vehicle with any ventilation failure or floor surface defect should not be loaded until repairs are completed. The Merck Veterinary Manual notes that management and nutrition practices during transport depend on properly functioning equipment.

#### Environmental Condition Scoring

Environmental conditions during transport directly affect pig welfare. Pigs lack functional sweat glands and are highly susceptible to heat stress. The threshold for heat stress begins at 25 degrees Celsius with high humidity. Score environmental risk based on:

- Ambient temperature at loading time
- Forecast high temperature during transport
- Humidity level above 70 percent
- Precipitation or road spray risk
- Wind speed and direction relative to vehicle orientation

For temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius, transport should occur during cooler night or early morning hours. For temperatures below 5 degrees Celsius, bedding depth should be increased and side panels adjusted to reduce draft while maintaining airflow.

#### Journey Duration and Route Planning

Journey duration includes total time from loading to unloading, including waiting periods at the farm and destination. Longer journeys increase cumulative stress and mortality risk. Score journey risk based on:

- Total estimated duration including loading and unloading
- Number of planned rest stops
- Road quality and terrain (highway versus rural roads)
- Traffic congestion risk at specific times
- Border crossing or inspection delays

For journeys exceeding 8 hours, rest stops of at least 1 hour should be planned at facilities with water access and shade. The FAO Animal Production and Health division provides international guidelines for livestock transport that recommend maximum continuous transport times.

#### Contingency Planning Completeness

Contingency planning addresses what happens if conditions change during transport. Score contingency readiness based on:

- Written emergency protocols in the vehicle
- Contact information for veterinarians along the route
- Alternative route plans for road closures
- Backup ventilation power source or manual override
- Communication equipment and battery charge status
- First aid kit for pigs including electrolytes and cooling supplies

Drivers should review contingency plans before departure and confirm that emergency contacts are reachable. The USDA National Agricultural Library provides resources on emergency planning for livestock transport.

### Decision Matrix for Go or No-Go

The decision matrix combines domain scores into a total risk score. Each domain is scored 1 to 5, with 5 being highest risk. The total possible score ranges from 5 to 25.

| Total Risk Score | Decision | Required Actions |
|-----------------|----------|------------------|
| 5-10 | Proceed | Standard monitoring during transport |
| 11-15 | Proceed with mitigation | Implement specific risk reduction measures |
| 16-20 | Delay or modify | Reduce journey duration, change loading time, or remove high-risk animals |
| 21-25 | Cancel | Do not load until risk factors are resolved |

For scores of 11-15, mitigation measures might include reducing group size, increasing floor space, adding bedding, or scheduling additional rest stops. For scores of 16-20, the producer or transporter must document the specific risk factors and the mitigation plan before loading. For scores above 20, the shipment should not proceed.

### Record System for Transport Risk Assessments

A standardized record system supports consistent decision-making and provides documentation for regulatory compliance. The study on a new supporting tool for pig handling in the breeding-slaughterhouse production chain described a systematic approach to welfare assessment that includes documentation protocols.

#### Risk Assessment Form

Each transport event should have a completed risk assessment form with:

- Date and time of assessment
- Assessor name and role
- Farm of origin and destination
- Number of pigs and average weight
- Animal fitness score with specific observations
- Vehicle readiness score with inspection notes
- Environmental condition score with temperature and humidity readings
- Journey duration score with planned route
- Contingency planning score with protocol review
- Total risk score and decision
- Signature of person authorizing transport

#### Transport Event Log

The transport event log records conditions during the journey:

- Departure time and odometer reading
- Ambient temperature at departure
- Ventilation settings at departure
- Rest stop times, locations, and pig observations
- Temperature readings at each rest stop
- Any incidents or delays with description
- Arrival time and odometer reading
- Pig condition upon arrival including mortality count

#### Post-Transport Outcome Record

Post-transport outcomes should be recorded and compared to risk assessment predictions:

- Mortality count and suspected causes
- Number of non-ambulatory pigs
- Bruising incidence and severity
- Respiratory distress observations
- Meat quality defects if applicable
- Comparison of predicted versus actual risk level

Records should be reviewed quarterly to identify patterns and improve risk assessment accuracy. The threshold effect of swine epidemics on the pig supply in China study demonstrated that transport-related stress increases disease susceptibility, making accurate records essential for biosecurity management.

### Common Failure Patterns in Transport Risk Assessment

Understanding where risk assessments commonly fail helps producers and transporters improve their decision-making.

#### Underestimating Animal Fitness Risk

Producers often underestimate the impact of subclinical health problems on transport tolerance. Pigs with mild respiratory infections or early lameness may appear fit at rest but deteriorate rapidly during transport. The study on characterization of an influenza A virus isolated from pigs during an outbreak of respiratory disease in swine and people at a county fair demonstrated that apparently healthy pigs can harbor respiratory pathogens that become problematic under transport stress. Always err on the side of caution when assessing animal fitness.

#### Ignoring Cumulative Stress Factors

Individual risk factors may seem acceptable alone but become dangerous in combination. For example, a 6-hour journey with moderate temperature and good ventilation may be low risk for healthy pigs, but the same journey becomes high risk for pigs that have already experienced handling stress, feed withdrawal, and mixing. The study on serum cortisol concentration in swine submitted to pre-slaughter handling and electric stunning documented that multiple stressors have additive effects on physiological stress markers.

#### Overlooking Destination Conditions

Risk assessments often focus on the journey itself but ignore conditions at the destination. Long waiting times at slaughter plants, extreme temperatures in lairage pens, or inadequate water availability can negate good transport conditions. Include destination conditions in the risk assessment and communicate with destination personnel before departure.

#### Failing to Update Assessments for Changing Conditions

Weather forecasts change, vehicle conditions deteriorate, and pig health status can shift rapidly. Risk assessments should be updated within 2 hours of loading. A morning assessment may not be valid for an afternoon loading if temperatures have risen significantly.

### Professional Escalation Criteria for Transport Risk

Seek professional assistance when:

- Total risk score exceeds 15 and mitigation measures are unclear
- More than 2 percent of pigs show fitness abnormalities
- Vehicle ventilation system requires repair beyond routine maintenance
- Forecast temperatures exceed 35 degrees Celsius or fall below -10 degrees Celsius
- Journey duration exceeds 12 hours without adequate rest stop facilities
- Previous transport mortality on the same route exceeded 0.5 percent

A veterinarian should review animal fitness assessments when abnormalities exceed 2 percent of the group. The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service provides swine health resources for producers and transporters.

### Practical Implementation Steps

Implementing a transport risk assessment system requires training, documentation, and regular review.

1. Train all personnel involved in loading decisions on the risk assessment framework
2. Develop standardized forms for each risk domain
3. Conduct risk assessments at least 2 hours before planned loading
4. Document all decisions including reasons for proceeding with mitigation
5. Review outcomes after each transport event
6. Analyze quarterly trends to identify recurring risk factors
7. Update risk assessment criteria based on experience and new research

The FAO Animal Production and Health division provides training resources for livestock transport that can support implementation.

### Welfare and Safety Context

Transport risk assessment directly supports pig welfare by preventing shipments that are likely to cause suffering. The study on a new supporting tool for pig handling in the breeding-slaughterhouse production chain emphasized that systematic assessment reduces welfare failures. Additionally, risk assessment protects human safety by reducing the likelihood of emergency situations during transport that could endanger drivers or handlers. The USDA Agricultural Research Service provides resources on animal production and protection that include welfare assessment tools.

Producers and transporters who implement formal risk assessment systems report fewer transport mortalities, reduced bruising, and improved meat quality. The records generated also support regulatory compliance and demonstrate due diligence in welfare management.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the ideal group size for moving pigs through handling facilities?

Groups of 5-8 market-weight pigs move most efficiently through races and chutes. Larger groups cause congestion and stress. Smaller groups may not provide enough social pressure to encourage forward movement.

### How steep can a loading ramp be for pigs?

The maximum recommended ramp angle is 20 degrees. Steeper ramps increase fall risk and refusal to load. Hydraulic ramps that adjust to truck height reduce the effective angle.

### Should pigs be fed before transport?

Feed should be withdrawn 8-12 hours before transport to reduce motion sickness and death loss. Water should be available until loading. Longer withdrawal causes hunger and stress.

### What floor space is needed for pigs during transport?

Market-weight pigs (100 kg) require 0.4-0.5 m² per pig for short journeys under 8 hours. Longer journeys require more space. Overcrowding causes heat stress and death loss.

### How can I reduce stress during loading?

Use low-stress handling techniques including paddles or flags, move pigs in small groups, provide even lighting, and avoid loud noises. Electric prods should be avoided. Allow pigs time to settle before moving.

### What are the signs of heat stress in transported pigs?

Signs include panting, drooling, reddened skin, lethargy, and collapse. Pigs lack functional sweat glands and are highly susceptible to heat stress. Ventilation should be maximized and rest stops provided in shaded areas.

### When should I call a veterinarian for transport-related issues?

Call a veterinarian if death loss exceeds 0.5%, multiple pigs show respiratory distress, or disease outbreak is suspected. The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service provides swine health resources.

### What records should I keep for pig transport?

Maintain pre-transport checklists, transport logs with departure and arrival times, pig counts, temperature readings, rest stop records, and post-transport assessments including mortality and injury data.

## Related Farming Guides

- [Manure Management For Pig Farms](/knowledge/animal-farming/swine/manure-management-for-pig-farms)
- [Swine Genetic Selection And Replacement Planning](/knowledge/animal-farming/swine/swine-genetic-selection-and-replacement-planning)
- [Swine Mortality Management And Deadstock Planning](/knowledge/animal-farming/swine/swine-mortality-management-and-deadstock-planning)
- [Pig Barn Ventilation And Thermal Comfort](/knowledge/animal-farming/swine/pig-barn-ventilation-and-thermal-comfort)
- [Pig Farming Breeding Farrowing Nursery Grow Finish Nutrition And Biosecurity](/knowledge/animal-farming/swine/pig-farming-breeding-farrowing-nursery-grow-finish-nutrition-and-biosecurity)

## Related Clinical & Scientific Guides

* [Pig Enrichment Programs and Behavior Monitoring](/knowledge/animal-farming/swine/pig-enrichment-programs-and-behavior-monitoring)
* [Swine Handling Facility Design for Safe Pig Movement](/knowledge/animal-farming/swine/swine-handling-facility-design-safe-pig-movement)
* [Swine Feeding Management for Grow-Finish Pigs](/knowledge/animal-farming/swine/swine-feeding-management-for-grow-finish-pigs)


## References and Further Reading

- [www.ars.usda.gov](https://www.ars.usda.gov/animal-production-and-protection)
- [www.aphis.usda.gov](https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/swine)
- [www.merckvetmanual.com](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/management-and-nutrition)
- [FAO Animal Production and Health](https://www.fao.org/animal-production/en). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
- [Animal Health and Welfare](https://www.nal.usda.gov/animal-health-and-welfare). USDA National Agricultural Library.
- [Sperm-mediated gene transfer.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16478599). Reproduction, fertility, and development, 2006.
- [Shooting for the moon: Genome editing for pig heart xenotransplantation.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35659123). The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery, 2023.
- [Porcine models of muscular dystrophy.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25991703). ILAR journal, 2015.
- [A new supporting tool for pig handling in the breeding-slaughterhouse production chain.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29152702). Veterinaria italiana, 2017.
- [Echocardiography Recording in Awake Miniature Pigs.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37306421). Journal of visualized experiments : JoVE, 2023.
- [A proteomic approach to porcine saliva.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24555893). Current protein & peptide science, 2014.
- [Bioaerosol sampling for airborne respiratory viruses in an experimental medicine pig handling facility, Singapore](https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/85040675346). Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health, 2017.
- [Characterization of an influenza A virus isolated from pigs during an outbreak of respiratory disease in swine and people during a county fair in the United States](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vetmic.2009.01.003). Veterinary Microbiology, 2009.
- [Serum cortisol concentration in swines submitted to pre-slaughter handling and electric stunning](https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/64249093957). Archivos De Zootecnia, 2009.
- [The Threshold Effect of Swine Epidemics on the Pig Supply in China](https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12192595). Animals, 2022.

> This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, treatment, public-health guidance, or regulatory reporting.