A method of stress reduced driving of slaughter pigs decreased noise in the waiting pen

The aim of this investigation was to examine the reactions to noise that oc cur when pigs are being driven out of the waiting pen in a slaughterhouse. Different driving strategies were compared to a method of stress reduced dr iving that was developed earlier. Mechanic and acoustic parameters during d riving of 129 groups with 719 animals by 5 handlers were recorded and analy sed by video and acoustic equipment. Pronounced differences were found betw een the handlers. Not only animals were slapped by a flap, the flap was als o used for creating noise by slapping on metal sheets and side walls. The m ajority of pigs were frightened and flighty but not driven forward by that noise. The usage of the handlers voice generated a sound level of 107 dB(A) . With this method of stress reduced driving the sound energy level (SEL) c ould be reduced to < 100 dB(A). In addition, the preferred group size of 4 animals for driving has been confirmed. It is recommended that the waiting area should be designed with circular pens, a spacious seperation area to a ccomodate a single file race and measures for sound absorption should be ta ken.