Slaughterhouse Vitelco has adjusted their restraining box from pneumatics towards hydraulic. This resulted in a significant noise reduction. This is an important step for animal welfare because noise, especially sudden and hissing ones, can cause a lot of stress in cattle. It makes them balk and too scared to enter the box. Loud sporadic noise can also make animals inside the box restless. There is a high risk of restless animals not being correctly stunned because the employee responsible for stunning them cannot position the stunner correctly.
We are happy that Vitelco worked on this improvement and has let us know that they are impressed by the difference. More of our recommendation will be put in practice later this year when Vitelco will rebuild their lairage.