Group transport and slaughter of pigs
Pigs, which are together with other pigs from the same farm, feel secure. They are therefore quiet, they do not make noise and their skin is not damaged by blows or scratches.

Pigs in groups

During transport, lairage and driving to slaughter, the pigs are kept together in groups of up to 15 pigs together with pigs they know from their home farm. Driving corridors to the stunning installation are designed for the natural behaviour of the pigs and support their curiosity. The floors will for example slope slightly upward and there is an open view forward. Electric goads are not used at all; the pigs' curiosity drives them forward.

 

The stunning is done in CO2 (carbon dioxide). In groups of 4-8, the pigs are driven into a box, which descends into CO2. This causes stunning, so they are unconscious during sticking and killing.

 

Training course for drivers

At the latest in 2007, all drivers must according to the law have received education in animal transport; 80-90% of the drivers have already been trained due to a requirement from the slaughterhouses.

 

Danish Transport and Logistics, DTL, which is an organisation of Danish haulage contractors, arranges the training course, whose teachers predominantly come from the Danish Meat Research Institute. There is education in for example statutory requirements, animal behaviour and physical needs of the animals, requirements to the vehicle and its use, cleaning and disinfection, typical problem areas and delivery facilities at the farms.