Pig handling

Information about working with pigs, lifting and other factors.

• Use lane design that will encourage pigs to work freely.
• Build protective coverings over working and drafting races.
• Avoid slippery surfaces in races and forcing yards and keep dust levels to a minimum.
• Sterilise needles, teeth cutters, ear pliers and ensure operators observe strict hygiene practices.
• Observe recommended withholding periods for drugs and chemicals before pigs are slaughtered.
• Wear appropriate protective clothing.
• If possible have two people to lift pigs.
• When lifting alone, squat down, take a firm hold of its back legs, pull the animal firmly against the body and lift using your legs not your back.
• If lifting the pig over a fence do not attempt to drag, work from the same side as the animal.

Other factors that need to be considered include:

• Age, sex, breed, weight, horn status, temperament and training of the animal.
• Boars are more aggressive during the mating season and extremely dangerous when fighting. Prevent boars coming in contact with each other at all times.
• When moving boars use a drafting board.
• Make use of facilities and aids such as nose ropes and drafting boards.
• Pens and lanes need to be large and strong enough to match the pigs being handled.
• Avoid sharp, blind corners on pens and ensure gates are well positioned.
• Where pigs need restraining use crushes and nose ropes.
• Maintain lanes in a non-slippery state.