PIGS that get pig sick of being shipped around could find relief in research being carried out locally to cut down their stress while on the move.

Boffins at the Central Science Laboratory are working with University of Hull engineer Dr David Chesmore to develop ways of monitoring stress in pigs by using radio sensors which would beam their vital functions back to the lorry driver.

Dr Chesmore and the CSL - along with fellow experts at Bishop Burton College in East Yorkshire - have been awarded a £73,000 grant from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for their work.

The work is being carried out with the widespread pig industry in North and East Yorkshire in mind, and comes amid increasing concerns about the welfare of animals being transported within the UK and throughout the European Union.

Dr Chesmore, who specialises in low frequency radio communications, said: "Animals being transported can suffer high stress levels because of crowding, high temperature and humidity within vehicles, together with vehicle movement and lack of food and water."

His work will involve placing sensors in the animals' ear canals, which will measure their heart rate and body temperature and transmit the data to a base unit within the cab of the transporter.

The system will also monitor the environment within the vehicle so that the driver can take action if the animals reach a critical level of stress.