Effects of long distance transportation and CO2 stunning on critical blood values in pigs

Abstract The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of two stressful stimuli, long transportation and 80% CO 2 stunning on metabolic–physiological variables, hemodynamic and gas exchange in slaughter pigs imported from the U.S. to Mexico City with a journey time of 27 h, with 8 h of lairage at the abattoir. A total of 589 pigs from three genders were monitored. Overall results show that both stimuli caused metabolic and physiological disturbance. Gilts were more efficient in controlling glycemia after a long transport journey (24 h), than castrated males (P