Previous research at PSC has shown there is significant variation in conditions (temperature and humidity) among
different compartments in trucks transporting market pigs. This study examined conditions in truck compartments in greater depth by measuring temperature and humidity variation during transport of market pigs throughout the year.Pigs were transported from a commercial farm in Saskatchewan to a packing plant on a weekly basis, involving approximately 7.5 hours of travel.
This report describes the variable conditions observed during transport in different seasons, with pigs transported in the ‘belly’, upper-front and middle-front compartments encountering the least favourable conditions.
It was found that pigs are exposed to variable temperatures during transport, with pigs transported in ‘belly’ compartments encountering lower than average temperatures, and those in upper-front and middle-front compartments encountering elevated temperatures. The effects of different boarding and insulation treatments on transport conditions during winter were examined, but further analysis is needed to determine their effectiveness. The results of these studies will provide important information for improving conditions during transport, and for the direction of future research.
