Hydrating pigs before loading : impact on carcass performance, meat quality and processability

The primary objective of this study was to quantify the water consumption levels of pigs watered in the loading station according to two parameters: time at the trough and two currently predominant feeding systems. The second objective was to assess pig carcass weight losses according to whether the pigs are watered, in order to gauge the benefits of watering. The third objective was to measure the effect of watering on meat quality. Watering pigs at the loading bay only had a positive effect on carcass weight under a feeder-fed system and if the pig farmer released the pigs at least 8 hrs before the truck was to arrive. Watering the pigs had no effect on meat quality (pH, colour) and little effect on overall yield as superior-quality hams.