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Prairie Swine Centre is an affiliate of the University of Saskatchewan


Prairie Swine Centre is grateful for the assistance of the George Morris Centre in developing the economics portion of Pork Insight.

Financial support for the Enterprise Model Project and Pork Insight has been provided by:



Author(s): Coleman,G.J.; Hemsworth,P.H.; Hay,M.; Cox,M.
Publication Date: January 1, 2000
Reference: Applied Animal Behaviour Science 66, 11-20

Summary:

The behaviour and welfare of pigs is greatly influenced by the treatment they receive from the stockperson. This study evaluated the effect of the stockperson’s attitude towards pigs and their job satisfaction on how they treated the pigs in their care. The effect of attempting to modify the stockperson’s attitude and behaviour towards pigs was also examined. On a large commercial facility, 43 stockpeople became involved in the study. Some of the stockpeople participated in a training program to attempt to modify their attitudes and behaviour towards pigs, while the others did not receive any training. Some of the information provided during the training sessions included: details about the sensitivity of pigs, proper handling techniques, and how improper handling can negatively affect productivity Data was collected before and after training through questionnaires and direct observations with the pigs. Training resulted in improved attitudes towards pigs. The results from the questionnaires indicated changes in their beliefs about the importance of proper handling and that petting and talking to the pigs would have a positive effect. Direct observations showed that trained stockpeople decreased their negative behaviours towards the pigs. Pigs also tended to show less fear-related behaviour in the presence of trained stockpeople. The training procedure was successful in modifying the stockperson’s attitude and behaviour towards pigs. This indicates that training programs for employees in the pig industry would be beneficial.

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