There have been major improvements in the handling of pigs during transportation from the farm to the abattoir. The improvements include:

• improved loading facilities
• ventilation
• introduction of non-slip flooring

In addition, there are now much stricter requirements for training drivers and the industry has successfully removed more stress-susceptible animals from its breeding programme. All this has taken the mortality rate of Danish pigs during transport to a record low of 0.007 per cent; significantly lower than any other major pig producing country.

Pigs from a single producer are normally all delivered to the same abattoir which ensures the shortest possible journey. In fact, the journey time is less than three hours for 95 per cent of all animals transported to Danish abattoirs.

Pigs are transported in familiar groups from the farm, which helps to reduce stress during transport. The pigs usually remain in these groups right up to the time of stunning. Sick or injured animals are not allowed to be transported or should be transported separately.

Transport vehicles are equipped with proper loading facilities, non-slip floors, ventilation, showering systems and access to drinking water. When the pigs are offloaded at the abattoir, the veterinary authorities check their condition. All vehicles are cleaned and disinfected before leaving the abattoir.

Transport outside of Denmark

For pigs transported outside Denmark, normal EU regulations apply but the industry recently signed up to a special Code of Practice to improve standards for animals transported on longer journeys.