The purpose of this review is to present the best available scientific knowledge on key effects of pre-transport and transport factors influencing the response of piglets to transport stress and post-transport recovery. To date, research on piglet transportation particularly focused on the effects of season (i.e., heat and cold stress), vehicle design features (ventilation type and deck/compartment location), space allowance and transport duration, and piglet genetics. More specifically, in this review the effect of transport duration has been dealt with through its impact on death rate, behaviour and physiological response, and feeling of hunger and thirst. Based on the available literature, clear conclusions can be drawn on the vulnerability of piglets to heat stress during transport. Both short and long transportation have an effect on piglet welfare, with effects being biased by the genetic background, ambient conditions and vehicle design. Further studies investigating the impact of factors such as vehicle design, truck stocking density and environment, piglet genetic background, and weaning age are needed.

Zappaterra M., Faucitano L., Nanni Costa L. (2023). Road Transport: A Review of Its Effects on the Welfare of Piglets. ANIMALS, 13(10), 1-16 [10.3390/ani13101604].

Road Transport: A Review of Its Effects on the Welfare of Piglets

Zappaterra M.
Primo
Writing – Original Draft Preparation
;
Nanni Costa L.
Ultimo
Writing – Review & Editing
2023

Abstract

The purpose of this review is to present the best available scientific knowledge on key effects of pre-transport and transport factors influencing the response of piglets to transport stress and post-transport recovery. To date, research on piglet transportation particularly focused on the effects of season (i.e., heat and cold stress), vehicle design features (ventilation type and deck/compartment location), space allowance and transport duration, and piglet genetics. More specifically, in this review the effect of transport duration has been dealt with through its impact on death rate, behaviour and physiological response, and feeling of hunger and thirst. Based on the available literature, clear conclusions can be drawn on the vulnerability of piglets to heat stress during transport. Both short and long transportation have an effect on piglet welfare, with effects being biased by the genetic background, ambient conditions and vehicle design. Further studies investigating the impact of factors such as vehicle design, truck stocking density and environment, piglet genetic background, and weaning age are needed.
2023
Zappaterra M., Faucitano L., Nanni Costa L. (2023). Road Transport: A Review of Its Effects on the Welfare of Piglets. ANIMALS, 13(10), 1-16 [10.3390/ani13101604].
Zappaterra M.; Faucitano L.; Nanni Costa L.
File in questo prodotto:
File Dimensione Formato  
animals-13-01604.pdf

accesso aperto

Tipo: Versione (PDF) editoriale
Licenza: Licenza per Accesso Aperto. Creative Commons Attribuzione (CCBY)
Dimensione 4.89 MB
Formato Adobe PDF
4.89 MB Adobe PDF Visualizza/Apri

I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.

Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11585/954249
Citazioni
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.pmc??? 0
  • Scopus 2
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.isi??? 0
social impact