PSII-13 Providing on-farm handling tools to move grow-finish pig cadavers

Abstract

Abstract During the grow-finish phase of production some pigs become non-ambulatory and/or die requiring the need to provide caretakers with handling tools to move them safely. The goal of this study was to identify handling tools suitable for moving non-ambulatory grow-finish pig cadavers. Five caretakers on a commercial grow-finish site were asked to move three commercial crossbred (PIC) genetic line pig cadavers (59 kg, 91 kg and 98 kg), using three handling tools (sked - SKED; deer sled - SLED; modified deer sled - MDS). Outcomes included latency to move cadaver from home-pen to hospital pen, differences in caretaker heart rate (bpm) and oxygen saturation (%), and caretakers’ subjective effort score (1 = very difficult to 5 = very easy). Data were analyzed using mixed model methods for parametric data with fixed effects of caretaker, cadaver and handling tool. PDIFF was used to separate means. Caretakers differed for latency, heart rate and oxygen saturation difference (P < 0.01). The smallest cadaver was associated with shortest latency (P < 0.01) and least caretaker oxygen saturation difference (P < 0.001). The MDS was associated with shortest latency (P < 0.01), and lower heart rate differences than the SKED (P = 0.01). Oxygen saturation did not differ for handling tool. Interestingly, caretakers scored SKED and SLED as easiest for moving all cadavers. In conclusion, the MDS did not have any restraints, so when moving the cadavers they would slide off, and legs and heads became impeded in the alley gates preventing smooth transition. Therefore, the SKED and SLED would be recommended as practical handling tools to move grow-finish pig cadavers on-farm.