Effects of pre-slaughter logistics duration on stress responses and coping profiles in commercial finishing pigs

Abstract

The present study examined the impact of pre-slaughter logistics duration and coping profiles on physiological indicators of stress and inflammation in commercial finishing pigs. A total of 13 journeys involving 2465 commercial pigs (Hybrid DanBred × Piétrain) were monitored. A subset of 359 pigs was selected for blood sampling at slaughter to assess cortisol, glucose, lactate, creatine kinase (CK), Pig-MAP, and C-reactive protein (CRP). The logistics duration were categorised as follows: short logistics time or ST (< 210 min or <3.5 h), medium logistics time MT (>210–300 min or 3.5–5 h), and long logistics time or LT (>300 - < 420 min or >5 h). The results obtained demonstrate that acute physiological stress responses are associated withST logistics, as evidenced by elevated cortisol and lactate levels. This phenomenon is presumably attributable to inadequate recovery during the period of lairage subsequent to handling and transportation. It has been demonstrated that MT are associated with elevated glucose levels, which may be indicative of a metabolic adaptation to moderate stress. Conversely, LT were associated with elevated CK levels, suggesting the possibility of muscle fatigue or exertion, potentially attributable to protracted logistics processes. Furthermore, the identification of three coping profiles provides additional insight into individual differences in stress responses and offers a potential framework for the early detection of compromised welfare in commercial settings. These findings underscore the need for tailored transport and lairage strategies that integrate both logistical and animal-based factors, particularly resilience.