Animal Welfare certification for swine

Pig farming plays an important role as a supplier for the food industry. Currently, this activity is undergoing a process of adaptation to the demands of the new consumer market, especially in relation to animal welfare.

In the process involving the loading, transport, unloading, and slaughter of pigs, it is common for imbalances to occur in the animals' bodies due to interactions with humans, sudden changes in the environment, reduced individual space, temperature variations, and other factors. These factors, when combined with unqualified teams and lack of appropriate equipment, contribute negatively to the welfare of the pigs, and may result in losses in the use of the carcasses and, consequently, in the quality of the meat.

Therefore, correct management at all stages of the production chain is essential to reduce much of the stress and injuries suffered by the pigs. The losses caused by problems related to animal welfare can be significant in slaughterhouses.

What are the evaluation criteria for the North American Meat Institute (NAMI) protocol?

For pigs, the audit consists of evaluating requirements in the transportation and slaughtering process of the animals. In both, what are called main and secondary criteria are checked.

The main criteria are the items considered critical for the audit. The secondary criteria are intended to collect general information from the facility, providing a broader view of the plant, with opportunities for improvement. However, as they involve a high degree of subjectivity, they do not determine whether a facility passes an audit or not.

For transportation auditing, there are seven main criteria:

• Transport and animal reception policy at the meatpacking plant.
  
• During the loading of trucks, it is important to ensure enclosed enclosures, adequate animal density, correct separation of animals, and proper truck alignment at the unloading point.
• Waiting time for the animals to start unloading.
• Falls suffered by animals during unloading.
• Use of electric prods when attempting to unload the animals.
• The physical condition of animals during transport.
• Intentional acts of abuse.

The secondary criteria for the transport audit include factors such as slips inside the vehicle, the temperament of the animals during transport, general condition of the vehicles used, and the correct use of flags by employees.

For slaughter auditing, there are seven main criteria:

• Intentional acts of abuse.
• Access to water.
• Falls.
• Use of electric prods.
• Vocalization.
• Stunning effectiveness.
• Insensitivity of animals in the bleeding chute.

The secondary criteria of the slaughter audit include:

• With regard to the documentary part: have a record of employee training, emergency management plan, and protocol for animals unable to walk.
• Regarding facilities and equipment: include a weekly inspection of the facility by employees and a non-slip floor.
• In regards to training and animal handling: include training of employees by the company and adequate stocking density.

What are the certification criteria for the North American Meat Institute (NAMI) protocol?

During the audit, there must be no evidence of acts of abuse, such as dragging conscious animals, applying electric prods to sensitive parts of the animals, and beating them. In addition, it is important to note that the presence of sentient animals in the bleeding chute is unacceptable. Animals must not show signs of consciousness, such as eye reflexes, vocalization, or the straightening reflex.

Why choose Animal Welfare certification for swine?

The Animal Welfare Certification brings several benefits for those involved, including:

• Implementation of good management practices that ensure animal welfare, meeting the requirements of national and international legislations and protocols.
• Transparency of the production process for the final consumer.
• Increase and loyalty of the consumer market.
• Ease of closing commercial deals with more demanding clients.
• Being more attractive to new investments.
  

Why choose QIMA/WQS for Animal Welfare Certification?

• Our team, with over 30 years of experience in the food industry supply chain, is ready to deliver end-to-end quality solutions for your business.
• Specializing in the food area, QIMA/WQS has a structure designed to start your service with speed and availability to clarify any questions that may arise along the way.
• Our protocols are approved and applied by auditors certified by PAACO (Professional Animal Auditor Certification Organization).
• We have the QIMA/WQS Animal Welfare Seal, communicating clearly and directly with the end consumer about the strict auditing and certification process the company has undergone.
• More than 9,000 satisfied customers at all stages of the food chain are proof of the quality, dedication, and success offered by QIMA/WQS.