Farm Animal Welfare

Pig Welfare Slaughter Transport Integration

Integrating transport and slaughter welfare considerations ensures that the final welfare events in a pig's life are managed cohesively.

Key Facts

Transport stress effects persist into slaughter and affect meat quality and animal welfare
Pre-slaughter lairage rest reduces the transport stress burden before killing
Journey time limits are more effective when combined with lairage welfare standards
Coordinating farm, transport, and slaughterhouse welfare standards prevents gaps
Some integrated supply chains have achieved significant welfare improvements through end-to-end management

Welfare Considerations

Welfare at the end of a pig's life depends on the interaction of transport conditions, lairage management, and slaughter protocols. Integrated welfare management that considers the entire pre-slaughter journey protects welfare more effectively than isolated interventions.

What You Can Do

Support supply chains with integrated welfare standards covering farm to slaughter
Advocate for joined-up welfare regulation covering transport and slaughter
Choose pork from processors demonstrating comprehensive end-of-life welfare management