Handling pigs without stress – theory and practice
For handling farm animals with as little stress as possible, there is the concept of "Low Stress Stockmanship," which some may know from cattle farming. But both humans and animals benefit from this knowledge when handling pigs. Therefore, a workshop with the Belgian veterinarian and animal behavior expert Ronald Rongen took place on January 31, 2025, at the branch of the Bio-Institute in Thalheim near Wels .
The workshop, organized by Bio Austria in cooperation with the Organic Institute of the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein, was aimed at pig farmers and other individuals interested in animal behavior. The workshop covered theoretical knowledge about the sensory perception of pigs, their needs, and related tips for handling the animals. Following the theoretical session, participants went to the barn to put what they had learned into practice.
The participants were eager to get started, and despite the seriousness of the topic, content such as the recommendation that yellow stable boots and herding boards are best suited for moving pigs, and that pigs prefer to turn left rather than right, also provided amusement.
(Lisa Baldinger)
More information
Bio-Austria - Stress-free working with pigs
Photos from the workshop
