Safe Pig Care & Handling Resources
Today’s pig farms combine the best traditional farming practices with the benefits of modern technology and sustainability practices. Safe food begins with healthy, safe animals and the best possible care.
These training resources for producers and their employees, developed in line with the We Care Ethical Principles, focus on how pigs perceive and react to the world and how to become a more effective handler.
Swine Care Handbook
This guide to swine care reflects the latest research about animal husbandry, and it represents a commitment to continuous improvement in animal ethics. It covers a variety of factors that affect animal well-being such as:
- Animal Observation and Care
- Production Practices and Animal Husbandry
- Feeding and Water Practices
- Environmental Management
- Euthanasia Methods
- Transportation
Following this guide will enable caretakers to provide humane care to their pigs in line with the We Care Ethical Principles for every type of production system.
Safe Pig Handling Training Modules
The animal handling decisions made by any caretaker or handler in the pork production chain can have impacts down the line. Sharing these training materials with employees will help create a safe environment for both pigs and people.
These modules include a mix of videos and handout instructions in both English and Spanish.
Safe Pig Handling 1
This module is being updated and will be available soon. It will include self-directed lessons on pig behavior, training and handling boars, moving pregnant sows and gilts to farrowing, weaning sows, weaning pigs, and safely loading market hogs.
Safe Pig Handling 2
Four additional topics including safe animal handling in group sow housing, heat checking and breeding, semen collection and boar studs, and vaccinating and treating sick animals.
Humane Animal Handling
Four modules that provide in-depth training on proper animal handling that can be used to onboard new animal handlers or as part of an annual refresher for experienced handlers.
