Stockpeople's Interactions with their Pigs

The relationship between human and pigs can have significant effects on the farm's performance and wellbeing of the pig. Handling studies have shown that pigs are very sensitive to brief tactile interactions from humans.

Positive behaviors of the stockperson: Pats Hand on the back Talking to the pig Squatting to the pig?s level
Negative behaviors of the stockperson Kicks, not just forceful, but also minor kicks Hits with hand or baton Slaps Pushes Shouting Fast movements	(Note: The picture shown was staged)

It is important to realize that negative behaviors are not only about physical interactions, but also body posture and general attitude.

If pigs see other pigs being positively handled they will reduce their own fear response. Interestingly however, it a pig sees another pig being negatively handled it does not increase its fear response. Pigs which experience negative responses from one stockperson will generally have fear responses to all people. Therefore, it is important for all members of the team to have a positive attitude.

What sort of effects have been measured?

Use of negative interactions:

At times it is necessary to use negative interactions in the day to day husbandry of a pig farm, for instance when it is necessary to get the animal to move out of a pen. It is also essential after utilizing the negative action to enforce positive interactions once the animal is up and moving. This way the long term effect of the negative action can be nullified.

Stockperson?s behavior at breeding as an example:

Good behavior: The stockperson talks to the sow. Has good body contact and is willing to rub and stimulate the sow	Poor behavior: The stockperson has no body contact with the sow. Is unwilling to stimulate the sow, is quiet and provides no encouragement. This can result in an increase in the time for insemination, a reduction in farrowing rate and litter size.