Effect of ramp configuration on easiness of handling, heart rate, and behavior of near-market weight pigs at unloading.

摘要: Three experiments, each using 280 pigs, were conducted in a simulated compartment to test the effect of angle entrance (AOE) ramp (90°, 60°, 30°, or 0°), slope (0°, 16°, 21°, 26°), and an initial 20-cm step associated with 16° 21° slopes on ease handling, heart rate (HR), behavior near market-weight pigs during unloading. Heart (pigs handler), unloading time, interventions handler, reactions monitored. The results first experiment show that 90° AOE had detrimental effects handling (P < 0.05), HR pig 0.05). 0° 30° appeared improve unloading, whereas 60° intermediate effect. be preferable, because moved at this balked less frequently 0.01) required manipulation 0.05) than AOE. second use flat led easiest as demonstrated by lower number balks 0.001) when frequent paddle = voice ramp, compared other treatments. However, did not differ from many variables reflecting which may explained difference configuration between ramps. also steepest most balking backing up 0.001), (touches, slaps, pushes; P 0.05 for all) time 0.01). No differences found 26° slope, suggesting length one factors make more difficult. last made physically demanding handler their greater HR. difficulty reluctance move toward suggest perceived psychologically challenging. Making few changes terms design could efficiency reduce stress pigs.