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Article
Modified wean-to-finish mat as an alternative handling tool for moving grow-finish pig cadavers: A pilot study
Journal of Swine Health and Production
  • Ella E. Akin, Iowa State University
  • Anna K. Johnson, Iowa State University
  • Jason W. Ross, Iowa State University
  • Suzanne T. Millman, Iowa State University
  • Cassandra D. Jass, Iowa Select Farms
  • John P. Stinn, Iowa Select Farms
  • Kenneth J. Stalder, Iowa State University
Document Type
Article
Publication Version
Published Version
Publication Date
1-1-2019
Abstract

Through the National Pork Board, the US pork industry provides recommendations for humane handling tools and acceptable non-ambulatory pig handling methods. While these recommendations are useful, there is a lack of published evidence regarding the efficacy of humane handling tools commercially available for moving non-ambulatory pigs. Wean-to-finish mats are commonly used on-farm to provide comfortable resting areas for newly weaned pigs and to minimize feed waste around feeders. The objective of this project was to test a commercial wean-to-finish mat as a humane handling tool for non-ambulatory grow-finish pigs. On-farm testing was accomplished using pig cadavers (n = 3; 135, 118, and 68 kg) to evaluate mat effectiveness based on employee effort and preference. Our results do not support wean-to-finish mats as effective handling tools for moving non-ambulatory grow-finish pigs.

Comments

This article is published as Akin EE, Johnson AK, Ross JW, et al. Modified wean-to-finish mat as an alternative handling tool for moving grow-finish pig cadavers: A pilot study. J Swine Health Prod. 2019;27(5):278-283. Posted with permission.

Copyright Owner
American Association of Swine Veterinarians
Language
en
File Format
application/pdf
Citation Information
Ella E. Akin, Anna K. Johnson, Jason W. Ross, Suzanne T. Millman, et al.. "Modified wean-to-finish mat as an alternative handling tool for moving grow-finish pig cadavers: A pilot study" Journal of Swine Health and Production Vol. 27 Iss. 5 (2019) p. 278 - 283
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/anna_butters-johnson/347/