Van Rooi pig slaughterhouse has implemented several changes following the advice of Eyes on Animals. A large part of the automatic push gates (that lead the pigs to the co2 stunner) were removed and replaced by quiet staff. This has significantly reduced stress levels amongst the pigs. They walked more calmly and stress behavior, such as jumping on top of each other, screaming and balking was significantly lowered. As most push-gates were removed, there is also less chance of pigs being pushed over or getting stuck underneath .
They now use sawdust on the offloading floor and also on the way to the lairage. Sawdust masks distractions on the floor such as drains, metal strips and puddles. This results in pigs walking with more confidence and reduces the chance of jamming. The dead end corners that pigs were getting stuck in have also been removed by making the gates retractable. In June the climate conditions in the waiting pen will be addressed.
Further improvements are still possible and needed. Van Rooi will consider how they can implement these. We want to thank van Rooi for the significant improvements that have already taken place. They make a huge difference for thousands of pigs each day.
Read the website article about our last visit to van Rooi here >>
