The Animal Welfare Certification for pigs is a distinguishing factor for your company, conveying transparency throughout the entire production process. It applies to transportation and slaughter in processing plants.
Pig farming plays a significant role as a supplier to the food industry. Currently, this activity is undergoing a process of adaptation to the demands of the new consumer market, especially regarding animal welfare.
In the process involving the loading, transport, unloading, and slaughter of pigs, it is common for animals to experience imbalances due to human interactions, sudden environmental changes, reduced personal space, temperature variations, and other factors. These issues are worsened by unqualified teams and inappropriate equipment, negatively impacting pig welfare and potentially leading to carcass losses and reduced meat quality.
Therefore, proper management at all stages of the production chain is essential to reduce much of the stress and injuries suffered by pigs. Losses related to animal welfare issues can be significant in slaughterhouses.
For pigs, the audit involves evaluating transportation and slaughter requirements. In both, criteria are identified as primary and secondary.
Primary criteria are the items considered critical for the audit. Secondary criteria aim to gather general information about the facility, providing a broader view and improvement opportunities. However, as they involve a high degree of subjectivity, they do not determine whether a facility is approved for an audit.
For transport audits, there are seven main criteria:
Animal transport and reception policy at the slaughterhouse.
During truck loading, it is important to ensure closed compartments, proper animal density, correct animal separation, and proper truck alignment at the unloading dock.
Waiting time for animals to begin unloading.
Falls suffered by animals during unloading.
Use of electric prods in an attempt to unload the animals.
Physical condition of the animals during transportation.
Intentional acts of abuse.
The secondary criteria of the transport audit include factors such as slips inside the vehicle, animal temperament during transport, general vehicle conditions, and proper use of flags by employees.
For slaughter audits, there are seven main criteria:
Intentional acts of abuse.
Access to water.
Falls.
Use of electric prods.
Vocalization.
Effectiveness of stunning.
Insensitivity of animals in the bleeding chute.
The secondary criteria of the slaughter audit include:
Regarding documentation: have training record of employees, emergency management plan, and protocol for non-ambulatory animals.
In terms of facilities and equipment: include weekly inspection by employees and provide non-slip flooring.
Regarding training and animal handling: cover employee training by the company and adequate pen density.
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During the audit, there should be no evidence of abuse, such as dragging conscious animals, using electric prods on sensitive parts, and hitting them. Additionally, the presence of sensitive animals in the bleeding chute is unacceptable. Animals should not show signs of consciousness, like eye reflexes, vocalization, or righting reflex.
Animal Welfare Certification provides various benefits for those involved, including:
Implementation of best management practices ensuring animal welfare, meeting national and international legal and protocol requirements.
Transparency of the production process to the end consumer.
Increase and loyalty of the consumer market.
Ease in concluding commercial agreements with more demanding clients.
Be more attractive to new investments.
Efficient communication and service
Fast and responsive technical support at all stages.
Transparent certification process and timely delivery.
Proven service quality, with an NPS satisfaction metric of 72 points.
Cost and time optimization
Integrated audits that minimize the number of visits and costs.
Simplified processes that reduce operational impacts.
Strategic and efficient allocation of auditors.
Sector leadership
Pioneering company with over 30 years of experience in food safety, organic certification, and sustainability.
Complete certification ecosystem, from farm to fork.
Advanced technology for compliance monitoring.
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