Pigs that have been finished in a pen with a radio playing at a reasonable volume are less likely to be startled by sudden noises. Observations by the author have also indicated that raising finishing pigs on plastic or metal floors produces animals that are hard to drive because they do not know how to walk on concrete. Plastic or metal floors work well for young pigs, but during the final finishing phase, confinement pigs should be raised on a concrete surface. Producers must also avoid producing pigs with a high incidence of either hernias or spraddle legs. Both of these conditions have a strong genetic component.
Heat builds up rapidly in a stationary truck.
Do not overload trucks. Trucks must be scheduled to allow adequate resting time. Handle gently in the stunning chute. Rough handling during the last 5 minutes prior to slaughter increases PSE, because pigs become overheated. Handlers must be taught behavioral principles of pig handling.