Reducing stress in pigs can dramatically improve handling speed and overall efficiency, according to Kevin Brooks, Production Manager of Animal Handling and Training at Olymel West in Humboldt, Saskatchewan.
Speaking at the Saskatchewan Pork Industry Symposium 2025 in Saskatoon, Brooks emphasized that just like people, pigs respond to stress — and understanding that is essential for effective handling. His presentation, “Tips and Tricks for Working with Hogs: Practical Strategies for Handling Hogs,” focused on creating calmer, more productive environments in barns and transport settings.
“Whether it’s family stress, financial stress, or job stress — everyone deals with stress. It’s the same with pigs,” said Brooks. “If handlers take that into consideration, they’ll have much more success.”
Brooks explained that one of the most common mistakes is moving too many pigs at once, which confuses the animals and slows progress. Instead, handlers should allow pigs time to observe, explore, and move at their own pace.
“We want to keep animals flowing — whether it’s to farrowing, nursery, or transport. Stepping back, giving them space, and letting them feel safe makes a huge difference,” he said. “They’re curious animals. When they have a moment to smell and understand their surroundings, they’ll move forward naturally.”
He added that handlers should focus on reducing pressure and allowing natural movement rather than relying on force or crowding.
“Anytime we leave a gate open and come back a minute later, the pigs have escaped — not because they were chased, but because they were curious. That curiosity is the key to moving animals successfully,” Brooks explained.
Brooks noted that modern handling methods have evolved in recent years to benefit both pigs and people, improving safety, animal welfare, and efficiency. However, he cautioned that the biggest challenge remains mindset.
“Those who’ve been in the industry a long time often do things the way they’ve always done them,” he said. “But times are changing, and we need to be open to new approaches.”
