Indicators to assess pig welfare during transport

Review

In February 2020, EURCAW-Pigs published a review on temperature control and space allowance in relation to the welfare of pigs during transport. The review explains the science underlying these two topics in Council Regulation EC 1/2005 on the protection of animals during transport and related operations. The review also offers solutions for existing problems and mentions indicators that can help to identify welfare issues during official inspections and assess compliance with EU legislation.

Indicators

The selected indicators have been presented in four indicator factsheets. These include:

Panting and pumping: indicators of heat stress during transport.

Huddling and shivering: indicators of cold stress during transport.

Dead on arrival: indicator of thermal stress and/or high stocking density during transport.

Fatigue: indicator of a high stocking density during transport.

Each factsheet describes the link between an indicator and the respective welfare problem, also in relation to EC Council Regulation 1/2005. A recommended inspection method is outlined (e.g. when to assess the indicators), and a scoring method is suggested based on well-known and commonly applied assessment schemes.

Official inspectors from Member States are invited to contact EURCAW-Pigs info.pigs@eurcaw.eu for suggestions, comments or questions about the factsheets.