Abstract
Abstract Current educational literature based on experience suggests that moving pigs in small group sizes is preferred because pigs may experience less stress. This study sought to determine the optimal group size of pigs in a simulated move from home pens to a transport vehicle. Group sizes of pigs ranging from 1 to 10 pigs/group were handled through a standard handling course. During handling, cardiovascular responses, time, and handling measures were collected. Group size significantly influenced heart rate. As group size was increased, a linear increase ( P P P > 0.10) when ten pigs were moved at a time as when 5 or 6 pigs were moved at a time. Moving pigs in groups of 5 or 6 caused less ( P
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