Timely on-Farm Euthanasia of Pigs: Development of an Innovative and Interactive Training Program for Caretakers

Equipped with a unique skill set in understanding and disseminating knowledge of best animal husbandry practices, animal scientists engaged with livestock industries as Extension professionals or educators are well-poised to provide needed guidance for those employed in animal care roles. In the swine industry, animal scientists work collaboratively with farm managers to assist in training both new and seasoned livestock caretakers on the importance of timely euthanasia decision-making as a means to end pain and suffering in severely injured or ill pigs. To provide an adjunctive educational tool for use by Extension agents, veterinarians, Pork Quality Assurance Plus (PQA Plus) advisors, and animal scientists, an interactive computer-based training program was created utilizing short, multimedia-rich, experiential learning segments. Three modules corresponding to different pig production stages (breeding stock, piglets, and wean to grower-finisher pigs) were developed with five case studies per module. Euthanasia criteria defined in the 2015 Common Swine Industry Audit served as guidance for selection of compromised pigs and subsequent development of the program. Most case studies challenge learners to identify the sick or injured pig by providing video clips and images. The case study structure provides a chronological timeline which highlights a combination of information related to a pig’s treatment history, clinical signs, and condition severity. Utilizing this information, learners are prompted to select from available management decisions on treatment and care of the individual animal. Feedback regarding the appropriateness of all possible decisions is provided to allow learners the opportunity to understand the benefits and challenges associated with various options in the context of current industry guidelines and good swine welfare practices. Though intended largely for use by swine farm caretakers, this program may also be a valuable resource if incorporated into veterinary, graduate, and continuing education curriculum. Recognizing that improving animal care decision-making nationwide will require a concerted effort from multiple groups of stakeholders, familiarizing animal care educators with this novel training tool will provide those in the swine industry with a group of professionals with whom they can work to ensure good livestock husbandry. This innovative tool represents the first interactive euthanasia-specific training program in the swine industry and offers the potential to reduce the incidence of untimely euthanasia decisions on-farm.