{"id":8459,"date":"2021-03-21T09:59:39","date_gmt":"2021-03-21T09:59:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/?p=8459"},"modified":"2021-09-19T08:59:01","modified_gmt":"2021-09-19T08:59:01","slug":"how-are-pigs-slaughtered","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/how-are-pigs-slaughtered\/","title":{"rendered":"How Are Pigs Slaughtered: What You Need To Know"},"content":{"rendered":"

When your pigs<\/a> reach market weight, you will need to have them slaughtered or slaughter them yourself. If you choose to take them to the butcher or processor, there are a few steps you will need to take in preparation, transportation and transaction. In this article, we review what’s involved in having your pigs slaughtered. Read on to learn more.<\/p>\n

Is Slaughter Cruel?<\/h2>\n

\"is<\/p>\n

There is nothing kind about being killed, but a skilled, small-scale butcher should make every effort to treat your pigs as humanely as possible. You’ll want to double check the reputation of the processor you choose before submitting your pigs.<\/p>\n

Pig Transportation<\/h2>\n

To haul your pigs, you’ll need to have a pickup truck with extended sides, or you could use a horse trailer. Either way, you’ll need to have a ramp with rails for loading.<\/p>\n

Your goal should be to keep your pigs calm and quiet throughout the process. This means that you must be patient, and you must not rush them when loading. Excessive adrenaline in the pigs\u2019 system will damage the quality of the meat, and the stress that arises from improper handling is simply cruel.<\/p>\n

When it’s time to load your pigs up, you should guide them up the ramp calmly. Use a panel or barrier to prevent them from slipping past you. Never try to push or herd pigs aggressively as this will simply stress them out and will be ineffective.<\/p>\n

Before loading up, be sure to examine all of your pigs to make sure that they are completely healthy. Sick pigs should never be taken to slaughter. It’s a good idea<\/a> to get your vet to examine them and give each one a clean bill of health before the set out.<\/p>\n

If you are not able to haul your pigs yourself, you may be able to hire a commercial livestock hauler to take them for you. Of course, this will add to your expenses.<\/p>\n

What Happens At The Packing Plant?<\/h2>\n

Ideally, when the pigs arrive at the plant, they will be unloaded calmly and allowed a chance to rest from their journey before slaughter. This wise practice increases the quality of the meat and decreases defects such as “PSE”<\/em> (pale, soft, exudative pork).<\/p>\n

When the time comes for slaughter, the pigs are guided to their final destination through the use of curtains, sorting boards or plastic paddles. They are moved in small groups.<\/p>\n

The pigs are stunned by being lowered into a chamber containing 90% CO2. Alternately, they may be stunned via electrical charge. This part of the process<\/a> presumably renders the animal unconscious and makes it insensitive to pain.<\/p>\n

Slaughtering Pigs In A Humane Way<\/h3>\n
https:\/\/youtu.be\/OZrVlz_hgoM<\/a>