Dossier

Climate control and space allowance during transport

Climate control and space allowance during transport is important, e.g. for the homeostatic control of body temperature of the animals. Thermoregulation is necessary for pig welfare (as it affects thermal comfort, heat stress, cold stress and survival). The pig’s ability to thermoregulate depends on maintaining a balance between heat production and heat loss. It is affected by environmental variables like ambient temperature, air speed and humidity. Space allowance during transport is furthermore important to give the animals the opportunity to change body positions, access to water on long journeys and to lie down and rest. Ideally, enough space should also be provided to move away from aggressors during fights.

Source photo: © Aarhus University

This dossier aims to help Competent Authorities and other stakeholders with issues related to climate control and space allowance during transport of pigs. The dossier is updated periodically by the EURCAW-Pigs team. The text is meant to support Competent Authorities, and is not legally binding.

false

The legal requirements related to transport of pigs can be found in Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 on the protection of animals during transport and related operations. In EURCAW-Pigs' Thematic factsheet on climate control and space allowance [bijgevoegd voor opname in edepot], the relevant legal requirements are summarized and presented in conjunction with the two focus areas for inspections.

false

Based on the pigs’ physiological and behavioural needs, the welfare of animals during transport is for a significant part dependent on being able to i) thermoregulate effectively, including being able to access sources of water, and ii) on the ability of the animals to perform basic behaviours such as standing and lying, to adopt a normal position, to minimize risks for injuries, stress and panic. Good and better practices in pig transport were provided by e.g., the Animal Transport Guides project.

false

The recent EFSA opinion on transport of pigs (2022) considers that sows are more vulnerable to heat stress than pigs of lower body size. Among reasons given for this difference are their large body size and relative low surface area: body weight ratio, higher energy intake relative to maintenance requirement (in lactating sows), and higher subcutaneous fat tissues. The specific welfare risks of transporting cull sows to the abattoir - including the sensitivity of cull sows towards heat stress - are addressed in a EURCAW-Pigs review (see ‘Show more’).

false

Welfare indicators can be used to facilitate welfare inspections during transport of pigs. For two key areas to focus on during inspections, EURCAW-Pigs identified relevant indicators to assess the welfare of pigs. Each indicator is described in an indicator factsheet, by suggesting an inspection and scoring method, and summarizing the underlying welfare concern and legal requirements.

false

In collaboration with national training bodies and national reference centers on animal welfare, EURCAW-Pigs develops training guides for the different welfare topics as standards for national training in EU Member States.

false