Touch is a very important aid to good husbandry. When approaching a pig be sure it is made aware of your presence. If pigs are startled they may cause injury to themselves or others in the pen. The best way to make pigs aware of your presence is to use your voice. It is important to use a soft soothing voice and not angry, loud, high pitched tone of voice which might startle or stress the animal.
Pigs quickly learn to recognize voices, especially if they are associated with food.
As pigs become familiar with handlers, the sound of a familiar voice is often calming to the animal. It is important to use touch when developing a rapport with pigs. This applies especially to the researcher who must collect frequent samples or data from pigs. As with voice, gentle petting and hand contact should be associated with feeding time or treats and the pig will become aware of the person in the vicinity and become adjusted to that persons presence. Probably one of the best forms of restraint in pigs is the use of food.