Driving Pigs to Stunning

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Course content - Driving Pigs to Stunning
   1. Driving system using biological principles
   2. Driving system with no concern for biological principles
   3. Other systems for driving pigs to stunning
   4. Consequences of bad pre-slaughter handling
   5. The slaughter pig
   6. Sensory capacity of the pig
   7. Physical conditions
   8. Social conditions
   9. Handling conditions
   10. Simple ways of making handling easier
   11. Assessment of driving quality
   12. Designing a driving system based on biological principles
   13. Problems that still need to be solved
3. Completion

Other systems for driving pigs to stunning

In small abattoirs, electrical stunning on the floor makes it possible to keep pigs in social groups. But when slaughter speed is high, stunning on the floor can become rough and haphazard depending on the experience of the stockperson. In this situation the risk for wrong placing of electrodes is high and has serious consequences.

This video shows head-only electrical stunning with good placement of the tongs, in a free-standing pig. Video: Louw Hoffman.

In some countries, conveyor systems are common in big abattoirs. Once the pigs are in a single-file race they can be loaded into a semi-automatic conveyor which takes them to the stunning position. The conveyor grips the pig between two moving walls and conveys it automatically to the stunner. Pigs do not walk voluntary into the conveyor and driving aids need to be used. Furthermore it has been found that the restrain is stressful to the pig. Many existing restraint devices are poorly designed and have uncomfortable pressure points that can lead to bruising.

This video shows the conveyor system for electrical stunning of pigs. Video: Louw Hoffman.