Weather Conditions - cloudfront.net
30 | Loading, Unloading & Transportation The transport space recommendation table shows the recommended space per pig under normal weather conditions (not hot or cold extremes). Transport losses are minimized at these recommendations, but optimal floor space is dependent upon temperature, trailer design, compartment size, etc. Changes in loading density need to be made to accommodate the weight of the pig or weather conditions. The need for these changes may outweigh transport costs and number of pigs left in the barn on a given day for the benefit of the animal’s well-being. Research has shown that increasing loading density also increases transport losses.
Weather Conditions Improper preparation for various weather conditions, especially temperature extremes, costs the U.S. pork industry millions of dollars annually. Handlers and transporters are responsible for understanding the effects of weather on pigs undergoing transport and how to protect pigs during weather extremes. Transporters should check weather conditions along their transport route and make ventilation adjustments before pigs are loaded onto the trailer. Weather forecasts are available through local radio or television or by visiting a national web site such as www.weather.gov or www.weather.com. Pigs do not have a thick coat of hair nor do they have the ability to sweat making them sensitive to heat and cold stress. While temperature is not always the primary cause for pigs becoming DOA or non-ambulatory, it can be a factor. The following charts show the impact of temperature on the incidence of transport losses.21 This means that DOA’s are most likely to occur June through September and non-ambulatory pigs are most likely to occur September through February.
Cold Weather 0.4
c c
DOA (%)
0.3 0.2
a
ab
b
32
41
ab
b
b
0.1 0
Weather Conditions Improper preparation for various weather conditions, especially temperature extremes, costs the U.S. pork industry millions of dollars annually. Handlers and transporters are responsible for understanding the effects of weather on pigs undergoing transport and how to protect pigs during weather extremes. Transporters should check weather conditions along their transport route and make ventilation adjustments before pigs are loaded onto the trailer. Weather forecasts are available through local radio or television or by visiting a national web site such as www.weather.gov or www.weather.com. Pigs do not have a thick coat of hair nor do they have the ability to sweat making them sensitive to heat and cold stress. While temperature is not always the primary cause for pigs becoming DOA or non-ambulatory, it can be a factor. The following charts show the impact of temperature on the incidence of transport losses.21 This means that DOA’s are most likely to occur June through September and non-ambulatory pigs are most likely to occur September through February.
Cold Weather 0.4
c c
DOA (%)
0.3 0.2
a
ab
b
32
41
ab
b
b
0.1 0
