Standard Operating Procedures for Loading/Transporting Market Hogs

Standard Operating Procedures for Loading/Transporting Market Hogs Developed by: Mark Klassen and Dr. Matt Ritter

Introduction

Section #1: Grower Expectations

This document is a guide that can be used as a template to develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) for loading and transporting market hogs. Please keep in mind that this is a guide, so feel free to add or delete information as necessary.

Grow-Finish Pig Management

This template is divided into 15 sections: Section #1: Grower Expectations Section #2: Loading Crew Expectations

1. Walk pens daily 2. Monitor pig health; promptly identify and treat sick pigs 3. Correctly identify and market pigs when they are in the targeted weight window 4. Identify and mark all market-weight pigs at least 12 hours prior to loading

Section #3: Driver Expectations

Prepare Pigs for Transport

Section #4: Preparing Facilities for Load-out

1. Routinely move pigs prior to transport

Section #5: Trailer Settings Section #6: Communication Section #7: Fitness of the Pig for Transport Section #8: Identifying and Handling Fatigued Pigs Section #9: Loading Procedures

• Open one pen per day and allow pigs to roam the aisle 2. Presort market-weight pigs from pen mates 12-24 hours prior to loading (if feasible) • Do not mix unfamiliar pigs during the presorting process 3. Withdrawal feed for 16 hours prior to loading when:

Section #10: Completion of Loading

• Market-weight pigs are presorted from pen mates

Section #11: Transportation

• Close-out loads: all pigs in the pen are marketed

Section #12: Arrival at the Plant Section #13: Unloading Procedures Section #14: Acknowledgement of Standard Operating      Procedures Section #15: References

Facility Maintenance 1. Make any necessary repairs to walkways, doorways, exit areas or chutes prior to loading 2. Make sure there is adequate lighting; reduce sharp contrasts and shadows

If you have any questions about this template or about handling and transporting market hogs, please feel free to contact us as follows:

3. Remove any sharp obstacles and protrusions

Mark Klassen Animal Handling Specialist Elanco Animal Health Email: [email protected] Phone: 402-369-0326

Site Preparation

Dr. Matt Ritter Swine Technical Consultant Elanco Animal Health Email: [email protected] Phone: 515-520-1808

2. Winter load preparation:

4. Pick up and put away any items that are in the aisle and/or load-out areas

1. Summer load preparation: • Turn off sprinklers in the barn • Have a hose ready to shower pigs on the trailer • Plow driveways for snow prior to the arrival of the first truck • Have a shovel and salt on hand to remove any snow and/or ice from the load-out area

SBU 2493

Standard Operating Procedures for Loading/Transporting Market Hogs Developed by: Mark Klassen and Dr. Matt Ritter

Section #2: Loading Crew Expectations

Section #3: Driver Expectations

Loading Crew Requirements

Driver Requirements

1. All members of the loading crew are TQA™ (Transport Quality Assurance™) certified

1. All drivers must be TQA certified

2. Be on time to assure the proper scheduling of loads to the plant • If required to shower in, arrive 1 hour prior to the first load • If showering is not required, arrive 30 min. before the first load

2. Always have your TQA card on hand when loading and transporting pigs 3. A copy of your TQA card must be on file in the company office and at the packing plant 4. Make sure that trucks and trailers comply with all U.S. DOT certifications 5. Make sure that the truck is full of fuel prior to loading

3. Follow all biosecurity protocols; these may include but are not limited to:

6. Arrive on time and be ready to load at the scheduled loading time

• 72 hours “down time” from pigs outside the production system

• If you are running behind, call the grower and give them an expected time of arrival, so they can plan accordingly

• Shower in/shower out • Wear clean boots and coveralls provided by the site • Understand the clean/dirty line during the loading process Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and Worker Safety 1. All members of the loading crew should wear the following PPE during loading: • Dust mask        •   Steel-toed boots       •   Kneepads 2. In order to prevent fatigue and dehydration, loading crews should: • Not load more than 6 loads per day • Take a 10-15 min. break between loads • Drink plenty of fluids between loads

7. Follow all biosecurity protocols; these may include but are not limited to: • Wear clean boots and coveralls • Wash sorting boards, paddles and electric prods between loads • Understand the clean/dirty line during the loading process 8. Drivers are responsible for compliance with U.S. DOT rules and regulations • Compliance of individual logbooks/records is mandatory • Compliance of weight limits per length of trailer/ axle spread is also mandatory

Equipment Needed for Loading

Trailer Requirements

1. A 4-man loading crew should be provided with the following equipment:

1. Trailers must be clean and disinfected prior to arrival at the farm

• 1 set of bi-fold panels

•   3 rattle paddles

• 4 sorting boards

•   1 electric prod

2. Additional equipment to have on hand: • Extra light bulbs, rope lighting and/or treble lights • Bungee cords to fasten doors open • A sled and a captive bolt gun for handling and euthanizing non-ambulatory pigs • Summer: a garden hose for showering pigs on the trailer • Winter: a shovel and salt for snow and ice removal

2. Trailers are expected to have: • Working interior lights for use during low-light conditions • Gates that open and swing freely • Functional internal loading ramps that extend to the floor • No protruding sharp edges in the trailer that could injure pigs • Gates along all internal loading ramps to prevent pigs from falling • Functional internal sprinkling systems for hot weather • Side boards and/or plugs for cold weather

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Standard Operating Procedures for Loading/Transporting Market Hogs Developed by: Mark Klassen and Dr. Matt Ritter

Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and Worker Safety

Section #5: Trailer Settings

1. Drivers should wear the following PPE during loading and unloading:

Drivers are to access a weather report prior to loading for temperature, relative humidity and wind for the loading location and the final destination. Refer and adhere to the weather safety index graph and the bedding/boarding recommendations below.

• Hard hat • Steel-toed boots • Kneepads Equipment Needed for Loading 1. All drivers should be equipped with: • 1 sorting board • 1 rattle paddle • 1 electric prod

Section #4: Preparing Facilities for Load-out 1. Make any necessary repairs to walkways, doorways, exit areas or chutes prior to loading 2. Make sure there is adequate lighting; reduce sharp contrasts and shadows 3. Remove any sharp obstacles and protrusions 4. Securely fasten “blinder boards” on the first pen on both sides of the aisle by the doorway 5. If possible, reduce 90° degree turns to 45° or less 6. Have portable loading chutes in place and ready to go 30 min. prior to loading 7. Use covered loading chutes that form a tight seal with the building and the trailer 8. Reduce all visual gaps between the trailer, loading chute and building 9. Spread an absorbent material in the load-out area and chute to prevent pigs from slipping 10. Equalize pressure: Drop curtains and turn fans down 15 min. prior to loading Summer Load Preparation 1. Turn off sprinklers in the barn

Courtesy of the National Pork Board’s TQA Handbook, 2004.

General Recommendations for Bedding, Boarding and Showering Pigs Temperature, °F

Bags of Shavings, #

Boarding, %

Sprinkler Use

< 10

4 bags/deck

90

None

10 - 20

3 bags/deck

75

None

20 - 40

3 bags/deck

50

None

40 - 50

2 bags/deck

25

None

50 - 70

2 bags/deck

0

Wet the bedding before loading

70 - 80

2 bags/deck

0

Wet the bedding before loading

0

Wet the bedding before loading, shower pigs for 5 min. after loading

2. Have a hose ready to shower pigs on the trailer Winter Load Preparation 1. Plow driveways for snow prior to the arrival of the first truck

> 80

2 bags/deck

2. Have a shovel and salt on hand to remove any snow and/or ice from the load-out area

SBU 2493

Standard Operating Procedures for Loading/Transporting Market Hogs Developed by: Mark Klassen and Dr. Matt Ritter

Section #6: Communication

Section #7: Fitness of the Pig for Transport

Grower and Loading Crew Communication

The National Pork Board’s TQA™ Program (2008) Fitness of the Pig for Transport

1. Growers and loading crews should discuss the following information prior to loading:

1. Pigs not fit for transport include:

• Number of loads, number of pigs to load and where the pigs are located

• Non-ambulatory

• Barn cut and estimated weight of the pigs

• Ill/sick pigs

• What plant the loads are being shipped to • Number of lights and culls and their destination • Where the clean/dirty line is for this facility • Resting pens for fatigued or injured pigs Loading Crew and Driver Communication 1. Loading crews and drivers should discuss the following information prior to loading: • Number of pigs to load, estimated weight of the pigs and barn cut • What plant the load is being shipped to • Any special loading instructions (culls, pigs with broken needles, etc.) 2. Adjust load size according to trailer length, pig weight and weather

• Lame/injured 2. Pigs with a low likelihood of recovery should be euthanized to prevent suffering 3. Drivers have the right to refuse any pigs that are unfit for transport Alberta Pork and Alberta Farm Animal Care (2002) Published Guidelines for Unfit Pigs 1. Recommend that pigs with conditions that may result in the carcass being condemned at the packing plant should be euthanized on the farm 2. Conditions that may result in condemnation at the plant include: • Emaciated pigs: extremely thin, poor body condition • Rectal stricture: bloated, razorback pigs • Multiple abscesses: pigs with 3 or more abscesses

• Optimal loading densities are 55 to 58 lbs./ft2

• Arthritis: pigs with 3 or more joints affected

• Develop a “cheat sheet” for the number of pigs to be loaded into each compartment for common pig weights in your system (i.e., 250 lbs., 275 lbs., 300 lbs.)

• Lameness: euthanize non-ambulatory, injured pigs

• See Elanco’s Loading Density Calculator

• Hernias: euthanize if large hernias touch the floor and/or have scrapes

3. Discuss the site’s biosecurity guidelines and establish the clean/dirty line for loading 4. Develop a loading strategy that minimizes the distance pigs are moved during loading 5. If it is not feasible to minimize the distance pigs are moved, use the following strategy: • Load pigs from the front of the barn onto the top deck • Load pigs from the back of the barn onto the bottom or middle decks

• Rectal prolapse: euthanize if the prolapse becomes infected

• Severe tail bite: euthanize pigs with large, open wounds • Severe cuts and wounds: euthanize pigs with large, open wounds 3. The driver has final word on pigs to be loaded. If a driver declares a pig to be unfit for transport, the driver has the right to refuse loading this animal.

6. During the loading process, loading crews and drivers should discuss the number of pigs needed to fill each compartment

SBU 2493

Standard Operating Procedures for Loading/Transporting Market Hogs Developed by: Mark Klassen and Dr. Matt Ritter

Section #8: Identifying and Handling Fatigued Pigs

Section #9: Loading Procedures

1. Prior to loading, designate a resting pen that can be used to sort off pigs that are showing signs of stress or having difficulties walking

The Flight Zone and Point of Balance

2. Some common signs of stress to watch for during loading include: • Open-mouth breathing (panting) • Skin discoloration (blotchy skin) • Muscle tremors (animal begins shaking) • Abnormal vocalizations (sounds like a barking noise) • Animals having difficulties walking

1. The flight zone refers to the animal’s personal space or comfort zone, which is designated by the circle around the pig (Figure 1) 2. When a handler enters the flight zone, the animal will move away in the opposite direction 3. The size of the flight zone varies from pig to pig and depends upon the amount of human interactions that the pigs received during the grow-finish period 4. The point of balance is located behind the shoulder (Figure 1) 5. Where you stand or tap the pig in relation to the point of balance will dictate which direction the pig will move (e.g., if you stand in front of the point of balance, the pig will back-up or turn around) 6. Likewise, if you stand behind the point of balance, the pig will have a natural tendency to move forward

3. During loading, place stressed pigs into the resting pen before they become non-ambulatory

Figure 1. Flight Zone of the Pig

4. The quicker that stressed pigs are allowed to rest, the better their chances are of recovering 5. If a pig becomes non-ambulatory during loading: • Do not load the non-ambulatory pig • Do not allow other pigs to move over, around or on top of the non-ambulatory pig • Do not drag, push or use electric prods on the nonambulatory pig • Instead, roll the pig onto a sled and use the sled to move this pig to the resting pen Courtesy of the National Pork Board’s TQA Handbook, 2004.

Removing Pigs from the Pen 1. Two handlers should remove pigs from the pen using sorting boards and paddles Photos courtesy of the National Pork Board’s TQA Handbook, 2004.

6. Monitor stressed and fatigued pigs for recovery

2. Electric prods should never be used in the pen 3. Enter the pen calmly and quietly

• Once in the resting pen, monitor stressed and fatigued pigs

4. Do not get in a hurry; be patient

• If a pig has not recovered after 2-3 hours, this animal needs to be euthanized

6. Sometimes the most effective approach on a first or second barn cut is to remove one or two marked pigs at a time, rather than trying to remove all of the marked pigs at once

• Use only safe and approved methods of euthanasia (i.e., captive bolt gun)

5. Remove only the marked animals from the pen

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Standard Operating Procedures for Loading/Transporting Market Hogs Developed by: Mark Klassen and Dr. Matt Ritter

7. If a pig is showing signs of stress or is difficult to remove from the pen, leave this pig alone and select the next largest pig in the pen 8. If a non-marked pig gets out of the pen, return this pig to its original barn pen 9. After 4-6 pigs are in the aisle, one of the two pen handlers should take these 4-6 pigs to the next handler in order to prevent filling the aisle full of pigs. Moving Pigs Down the Aisle or Walkway 1. Handling tools • All handlers should use plastic livestock paddles and sorting boards to load pigs • Only the person moving pigs out of the building and up the loading chute should have access to an electric prod, as these are typically the two most challenging areas 2. Group size • To minimize stress and to optimize loading times, move pigs in groups of 4-6 • The optimal group size is dependent upon the width of the aisle and pig weight • In general, you need to be able to reach the pigs at the front of the group • Pigs have a natural follow-the-leader instinct, so if you can encourage the pigs at the front of the group to move, usually the rest of the group will follow 3. Handling intensity • Move pigs at a slow and calm pace • Do not encourage pigs to move faster than a normal walking pace • Use a calm and steady voice or noise when moving pigs • Yelling and loud noises may frighten pigs and make them more difficult to handle • If you become frustrated, take a deep breath and count to 10 4. Proper electric prod use • Electric prods should be used only as a last resort to move pigs, and only the handler moving pigs out of the building and up the chute should have access to an electric prod

– Tap the pigs with the wand of the electric prod without pushing the button – Shock the gates and/or ceiling with the electric prod – Gently tap the pigs with your hand – Calmly push the pigs • If electric prod use is necessary, adhere to the following guidelines: – Never use an electric prod in the pen during loading – Never shock a pig in a sensitive area (i.e., eyes, nose, anus, genitals, etc.) – The pig should be shocked on the back behind the shoulder – The duration of the shock should not exceed 1 second – Count to 5 before administering any additional taps or shocks • Do not exceed 2 shocks per pig during loading from barn pen to trailer compartment • If more than 2 shocks per pig are needed from an electric prod to load pigs, your facility design and handling procedures need to be re-evaluated 5. Other practical handling recommendations • If a pig turns around and the aisle is too narrow to easily turn the pig around, either open a pen nearby to turn it around or let it go back to its pen and try again • Use a crowd gate if possible near the doorway 6. Relay exchanges • Do not walk down the aisle of the barn while pigs are approaching • If you are the handler waiting for pigs, stay back and patiently wait for the pigs – Do not stand at the front of the pen and reach for the first pig – Do not encourage the pigs to move faster than a normal walking pace • The handler bringing a group of pigs to another handler should hold the pigs in place with a sorting board until the next handler is ready to complete the relay exchange

• Try the following handling methods before using an electric prod: SBU 2493

Standard Operating Procedures for Loading/Transporting Market Hogs Developed by: Mark Klassen and Dr. Matt Ritter

7. Driver loading recommendations

Section #11: Transportation

• Drivers should have a sorting board and a plastic livestock paddle

1. Please ensure the truck is full of fuel and in full operational condition prior to loading

• Drivers must obey the clean/dirty line

2. Once on the road, keep the truck moving and avoid unnecessary stops

• Drivers must keep out of sight so as to not impair forward movement of pigs

3. Do not pull over and wait to follow another driver

• Drivers should load pigs onto the trailer as the loading crew provides them

4. During transport, check on the weather conditions at the plant

• If a compartment gate is difficult to close, remove one pig at a time from the compartment until the gate can easily be closed

5. If the weather conditions differ from those at the farm, pull over and add or remove panels as necessary

• If a pig is having difficulties climbing an internal loading ramp, place this pig in the doghouse on the bottom deck of the trailer 8. Showering recommendations for hot weather conditions • Showering the pigs inside the trailer for 5 minutes immediately after loading during hot weather can reduce the skin temperatures of the pigs by 10% • Shower the pigs just long enough to get the pigs and the bedding wet • Avoid showering pigs to the point that water is standing in the trailer, as this water will most likely run out of the trailer and onto the road once the trailer leaves the farm • Use the following guidelines for showering pigs prior to transport: – Temperature less than 60° F • No water – Temperature between 60° F and 80° F • Wet the bedding prior to loading

6. Do the best you can to meet the scheduled dock time without speeding 7. If you are running late, call the plant and give them your expected time of arrival 8. Review your farm’s SOPs for truck breakdowns 9. Review your farm’s SOPs for responding to accidents

Section #12: Arrival at the Plant 1. Upon entering the packing plant, have your TQA card ready to show plant personnel 2. During hot weather, utilize all cooling methods offered by the plant: • Canopies • Fans • Access to water for showering the pigs 3. If the plant is backed-up and you do not have access to these cooling methods, contact your transportation manager and the plant dispatcher to discuss your options

– Temperature over 80° F • Sprinkle or mist pigs for 5 minutes after each deck is loaded

Section #10: Completion of Loading

Section #13: Unloading Procedures 1. Once backed up to the unloading dock, give plant personnel the necessary paperwork

Grower and Loading Crew Communication

2. Communicate any special unloading instructions to plant personnel prior to unloading

1. The driver should change clothes and put away all handling equipment

3. Make sure all gates are closed in the holding pen prior to unloading

2. The driver and loading crew should complete the necessary paperwork

4. Unload pigs at a slow and calm pace by using sorting boards and livestock paddles

3. The loading crew and driver should review any special unloading instructions

5. Notify plant personnel of any dead and non-ambulatory pigs

4. The driver should get on the road as soon as possible, preferably within 5 min.

SBU 2493

Standard Operating Procedures for Loading/Transporting Market Hogs Developed by: Mark Klassen and Dr. Matt Ritter

6. If you have a non-ambulatory pig, do not move pigs past or over this animal until the non-ambulatory pig has been removed in a humane manner by plant personnel 7. If you are having difficulties unloading a group of pigs, ask plant personnel for assistance 8. While at the plant, adhere to all plant guidelines for animal handling and welfare 9. While at the plant, do not: • Use tobacco products • Use electric prods • Pull or drag a live pig by the ears, feet or tail • Kick or hit a live pig • Raise a handling tool over your shoulder and strike an animal • Drive pigs over a non-ambulatory pig • Drop a live pig out the side door of the trailer

Section #14: Acknowledgement of Standard       Operating Procedures I acknowledge that I have read and thoroughly understand the standard operating procedures for loading and transporting market hogs. I also acknowledge that Production System X has zero tolerance for animal abuse. Failure to comply with the handling and transport procedures outlined in this document and/or failure to report any acts of animal abuse that I have witnessed while working for Production System X will result in immediate disciplinary action and/or termination. Employee signature:    Date: _______________________________________    ___________ Management signature:    Date: _______________________________________    ___________

Section #15: References 1. “Trucker Quality Assurance™ Handbook.” 2004. National Pork Board. 2. “Transport Quality Assurance Handbook.” 2008. Accessed 11/15/08. . 3. “Humane handling of swine—Standards for the care of unfit animals.” 2002. Alberta Pork and Alberta Farm Animal Care. 4. Ritter, M., Ellis, M. and Johnson, A. 2009. “Transporting more dollars to the bank.” AASV annual meeting. 5. Ritter, M. 2007. “Special report—tips for beating the summer heat.” Hog-Handling Update, Special Late Summer Issue. 6. Ritter, M., Goodner, G. and Klassen, M. 2007. “Special fall update.” Hog-Handling Update, Special Fall Issue. 7. Ritter, M. 2007. “Fatigued pigs—the signs of stress.” Hog-Handling Update, Issue 2. 8. Ritter, M. 2007. “Fatigued pigs—understanding metabolic characteristics.” Hog-Handling Update, Issue 3. 9. Ritter, M. 2008. “Causes of transport losses.” HogHandling Update, Issue 4. 10. Ritter, M. 2008. “Effects of pig-handling procedures on ease of pig movement, stress responses and the percentage of fatigued pigs.” Hog-Handling Update, Issue 5. 11. Ritter, M. 2008. “Practical pig handling tips to minimize stress during loading at the farm.” HogHandling Update, Issue 6. 12. Ritter, M. 2008. “Effects of transport floor space on transport losses in market weight pigs.” Hog-Handling Update, Issue 7. 13. Ritter, M. and Pelger, G. 2008. “Pig handling from farm gate to plants—Management considerations to optimize biosecurity and pig comfort.” Proc. of the National Pork Board Transport Biosecurity Summit. Accessed 02/22/11. .

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