Behavioural Principles of Pig Handling

Abstract

Fear is a motivational state aroused by certain specific stimuli that give rise to behaviour to escape. Pigs that are fearful of people are more difficult to handle. Fearful pigs will also have lower productivity on a variety of production parameters, such as weight gain and piglet production. Many studies have shown that pigs develop conditioned avoidance or approach responses depending on how they are treated by stock people. Examples of aversive negative treatments are slaps, kicks or shocks with electric prodders; examples of positive interactions are pats, strokes, or resting a hand on the back of the animal. Pigs that are handled in a negative manner often fear all humans, but there ar..