HANDLING OF SLAUGHTER PIGS IN THE WAITING PEN - A METHOD SUITED FOR STRESS REDUCED DRIVING

In the aim of this investigation was to examine the problems that occu r when pigs are being driven out of the waiting pen in a slaughterhous e. Therefore, 5 different driving-group-sizes were tested and the beha viour of 255 slaughter pigs during driving was evaluated. For each gro up, the reaction of the animals in response to a prod was recorded. Ba sed on the way the prod ws used, the treatment was divided into 3 cate gories. A driving-group-size of 4 showed to be the optimal variant und er the given conditions. Because driving 1 or 2 animals at a time requ ired too much effort and put too much strain on the animals, these var iants should be rejected. Using a sorting driving device with a group of 4 would create less stress for the separation procedure. The impact of different handling procedures creating strain on the personell was also evaluated. Finally, the suggestions are given: The waiting pen s hould be built round or with flexible walls.