This study aimed at validating the anatomical sites for the measurement of infrared (IR) body surface temperature as a tool to monitor the pigs’ response to handling and transport stress. The selected anatomical sites were the neck (infrared neck temperature—IRNT), rump (infrared rump temperature—IRRT), orbital (infrared orbital temperature—IROT) and behind ears (infrared behind ears temperature—IRBET) regions. A total of 120 pigs were handled from the finishing pen to the loading dock through a handling test course. Two handling types (gentle vs. rough) and number of laps (1 vs. 3) were applied according to a 2 × 2 factorial design. After loading, pigs were transported for 40 min and returned to their home pens. Animal behavior, heart rate, rectal temperature and salivary cortisol concentration were measured for validation. Increased IR body temperature, heart rate and salivary cortisol levels were observed in response to rough handling and longer distance walk (P < 0.05 for all). The greatest correlations were found between IROT and IRBET temperatures and salivary cortisol concentration at the end of the handling test (r = 0.49 and r = 0.50, respectively; P < 0.001 for both). Therefore, IR pig’s head surface temperature may be useful for a comprehensive assessment of the physiological response to handling and transport stress.

The study aimed to investigate the physiological and meat quality differences between Non-Ambulatory, Non-Injured (NANI), and without apparent abnormalities (non-NANI) pigs in a commercial slaughterhouse setting, focusing on the impact of stress and health conditions on the overall well-being and meat quality of the animals. A total of 241 surgically castrated crossbred male pigs from Southern Brazil were analyzed, with 131 non-NANI pigs and 110 NANI pigs. Infrared orbital temperature, rectal temperature, hematological parameters, and meat quality measurements were collected. Statistical analysis included ANOVA tests and principal component analysis (PCA). NANI pigs exhibited significantly higher infrared orbital temperatures and rectal temperature (p < 0.01). Hematological analysis revealed higher levels of hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red blood cells in NANI pigs (p < 0.05). White blood cell count and lactate dehydrogenase were significantly elevated in NANI pigs (p < 0.01), indicating potential infections or inflammatory responses. Meat quality parameters showed that NANI pigs had lower pH values, higher luminosity, and increased drip loss (p < 0.01), reflecting poorer water retention and potential muscle glycogen depletion. The study highlights the physiological and meat quality differences between NANI and non-NANI pigs, emphasizing the impact of stress, health conditions, and handling procedures on the animals. Blood biomarkers proved valuable in assessing physiological stress, immune response, and potential health issues in pigs, correlating with meat quality abnormalities. Utilizing these biomarkers as predictive tools can enhance animal welfare practices and contribute to improving meat quality in the swine industry.

The intensification of production systems has resulted in detrimental effects on sow welfare, which can have an adverse influence on their offspring. Considering the relevance of the microbiota–gut–brain axis, probiotics can mitigate such impacts. To investigate the effects of the dietary inclusion of probiotics on the welfare of sows and piglets, 147 multiparous sows were randomly assigned to two groups: a control group or a group supplemented with a multistrain probiotic from the beginning of pregnancy to the end of lactation. The human–animal relationship (HAR), stereotypic behavior, position changes, salivary cortisol, and plasma serotonin levels were assessed in the sows. The piglets’ back test behavior and organ weight were analyzed. The probiotic-supplemented sows exhibited a better HAR index (p = 0.017), which indicated reduced aversion towards humans. The frequency of stereotypies was not influenced by the treatments. However, the supplemented sows spent more time standing (p = 0.054) and less time lying down (p = 0.008). The cortisol level of the supplemented sows was 50% lower (p = 0.047) and the serotonin levels were 11% higher (p = 0.034) than control animals. The multistrain piglets were more passive and less resistant (p = 0.076) in the back test. The organ weights were not influenced by treatments. In conclusion, the sows supplemented with probiotics showed less fear and more motivation indicators, while their piglets showed less aggression behaviors.