Assessment of the effects of the season of transport on the performance of early-weaned piglets

Six groups of 48 Cotswold piglets, weaned at 17 ± 1 d of age, were transported during three seasons (summer, winter or fall) and for four durations (0, 6, 12 or 24 h). As in commercial transport, feed and water were not available and supplemental heat was not provided. During transport, truck temperatures and piglet skin and rectal temperatures were recorded. At the end of transport piglets were placed in groups of four, in weanling pens. Body weights were recorded daily for 7 d and at 14 d.