Animal Care Assessment (ACA) - Manual - CQA

2) Do you have a documented system in place that ensures that stockpeoplehave access to, and receive training in animal handling?Yes ● No ●Handling:Pigs must be handled with care, gentleness and patience. Positive human contact is an importantfactor in animal welfare and productivity. Studies show that fear of humans (i.e. shyingaway or vigorous avoidance) produces long-term stress in pigs.3) Are stockpeople monitored weekly on how they interact with the pigs in theircare?Yes ● No ● N/A ●4) Do pigs experience consistent, positive human contact on a daily basis?Yes ● No ●Use of handling devicesThe actual moving of pigs, whether from pen to pen, barn to truck or truck to plant, can be stressfulfor pigs and attendants. Patience and common sense are needed to make the move easier.By encouraging the lead pig to enter the handling facility, others will generally follow.Handling devices can help move pigs if used properly — the improper use of these devices isnot acceptable. Attendants must be patient and considerate. Sometimes the best move maybe to stop or step back and let both the pig and the attendant calm down.Electric prods should be used only as a last resort and only according to manufacturers’ instructions.It is unacceptable to use electric prods on very young animals and breeding animals. It is alsounacceptable to use prods on sensitive areas, such as the nose, eyes, vulva, anus and testicles.5) What devices are used to move pigs on your farm?1-2 ANIMAL CARE ASSESSMENT, 2010