RESUMO
In a trial involving 2496 pigs, the effect of transport stocking densities of 201, 241, 281 and 321kg m(-2) on carcass quality and welfare were evaluated. This range encompassed the upper level set for 100kg pigs in European Union legislation (235kg m(-2)). Four farms and two lorries were involved over 16 experimental days with an average journey time of 3hr. Stocking density had no effect on any variables measured. Source farm had a significant effect on ultimate pH, reflectance and electrical conductivity in the m. longissimus dorsi, reflectance in the m. adductor and extent of rigor mortis development in the m. semimembranosus. Overall, the measurements made produced no evidence that transport stocking density had an effect on the carcass quality or welfare of 95kg pigs on short journeys.
RESUMO
In an abattoir survey the stomachs of 1242 pigs from 15 farms were examined. Ulceration of the pars oesophagea was present in 22.95 per cent with a range from 4.7 to 57.4 per cent. The ulcers were graded mild in 9.5 per cent and severe in 13.4 per cent of the stomachs. Bile staining and hyperkeratinisation of the pars were significantly more common in stomachs with ulcers than in those without (P < 0.001), although the difference between the hyperkeratinisation in cases with severe ulcers and cases without ulcers was not significant. The daily liveweight gains of 208 males and 150 females from two units with a high prevalence of ulcers were calculated from their weaning weights at about five weeks of age and their slaughter weights at around 90 kg. At the abattoir their stomachs were examined for the presence of ulcers of the pars. The daily liveweight gain of the males was significantly greater than that of the females (P < 0.001), but the presence of mild or severe ulcers had no influence on the rate of gain of the pigs from either unit. The prevalence of ulcers in the males and females was 57.2 and 49.3 per cent, respectively, but the difference was not significant.
