Abstract: The number of piglets dying at birth is reduced by providing a motion or weight sensor in a farrowing crate at the piglet area thereof so that, when the sow is expected to give birth, the motion sensor is located in the crate at a location to detect motion of one or more piglets after birth and, on detection of motion of the one or more piglets, causing the motion sensor to wirelessly communicate a signal to a pager carried by an operator indicating to the operator that birth of piglets is in progress.

Abstract: An animal restraint apparatus for use in treatment procedures particularly on piglets includes a cart having a bin for containing the piglets taken from a pen and a restraint system mounted on the cart defined by a pair of animal engagement cushions. The cushions form a generally concave shape at least when deformed and are mounted for relative movement from a first separated position in which the animal can be inserted between the concave inwardly facing surfaces and laid onto a backstop member to a second closed position in which the animal is restrained. The first and second members each have a length to extend along a significant part of the body of the animal leaving the head and rear ends exposed. A tool rack is provided on the cart for tools to carry out the procedures.