What must pig transports provide to ensure animal welfare?

Providing maximum air circulation during pig transports is essential for ensuring animal welfare. Proper air circulation helps to regulate the temperature and humidity levels within the transport vehicle, preventing the animals from overheating or becoming too cold. This is particularly critical, as pigs are sensitive to extreme temperatures and confinement conditions.

Adequate airflow allows for the dispersal of harmful gases, such as ammonia, which can accumulate in enclosed spaces and lead to respiratory issues among the animals. Additionally, good ventilation reduces stress levels in pigs, helping to maintain their overall health and well-being during transportation.

In contrast, while aspects like light exposure, temperature control, and quiet environments can contribute to animal comfort, these factors alone do not directly address the critical need for adequate airflow to prevent overheating and to ensure proper oxygen supply. Thus, focusing on maximum air circulation is key to promoting the welfare of pigs during transport.