Abstract
Pigs with a body weight between 15 and 20 kg were vibrated in the vertical direction for 1 h at 2, 8, and 18 Hz, in combination with root mean square (RMS) acceleration magnitudes of 1 or 3 m/s2. Welfare and stress were quantified by comparing heart rate characteristics during a control period (2200 to 0600) before vibration exposure and during vibration (1000 to 1100). The level of maximum heart rate and number of ventricular ectopic beats during vibration at 2 and 8 Hz in combination with a RMS acceleration of 3 m/s2 indicated a larger fear response than at 1 m/s2. Isocomfort contours based on mean heart rate during vibration showed the greatest specific sensitivity of the pigs to vibration at a frequency of 8 and 18 Hz, especially in combination with a RMS acceleration of 3 m/s2. During transport, RMS acceleration should be less than 3 m/s2 to protect pigs' welfare. Pigs were more sensitive to acceleration than to frequencies within the range of treatments in this investigation. Although the response of the pigs in this experiment fit within the model concept for adult humans and for domestic fowl, changes in heart rate are dependent on body weight.
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