Killing pigs?

[SilliamWhale]

do pigs know more than any other animal that when they are in a slaughterhouse that they are going to be killed?

ie are they more intelligent/ sensitive to it? Does the idea that pigs squeal more signify anything?

(to help a discussion i've been having about it with someone)

 

[Suffolk Serf]

I don't really think that they have any concept of death but they do of pain and distress. If they are handled well in the lairage and immediately pre slaughter there is no problem.
In the few (large) slaughterhouses I've been in there is really no squealing. Often now, CO2 stunning is used.

 

[Old Boar]

When I was at the slaughter house today, there was a pen of 7 pigs, all madly bonking each other, so I dont think they were too stressed. Two from another pen escaped and we all had a good workout getting them back, but they trotted into the pen quite happily, so no, I dont think they sense it.

I would not allow any of my pigs to be stunned by CO2. It takes too long, and can taint the meat.

The slaughter house I use is small, and they know each customer. They know mine have to come straight off the ramp and in, as they can get out of anywhere and would eat any other pig! First class service, and with a smile!

 

[multi power]

When I was at the slaughter house today, there was a pen of 7 pigs, all madly bonking each other, so I dont think they were too stressed. Two from another pen escaped and we all had a good workout getting them back, but they trotted into the pen quite happily, so no, I dont think they sense it.

I would not allow any of my pigs to be stunned by CO2. It takes too long, and can taint the meat.

The slaughter house I use is small, and they know each customer. They know mine have to come straight off the ramp and in, as they can get out of anywhere and would eat any other pig! First class service, and with a smile!

It is worth noting the above mentioned facility is rather better than average

 

[Old Boar]

I am grateful for the care they take, and they usually get cakes from me when I pick up!

 

[Davey]

I always make sure I'm at the slaughter house first thing ready for them opening at 7.30 that way they are first in the que and aren't hanging around for long (they start killing at 8)

There's only a choice of two places that do pigs near me but thankfully the closest is also the smaller, friendlier of the two.

 

[Woolless]

+1 to Old Boar's first post, I've seen pigs humping away quite happily in the stun pen. The tendency to squeal at very little is simply a young pig's first line of defence. Like any animal, they will react badly to stress and bad handling but they have no idea what they're coming to.

 

[JCMaloney]

My tuppence worth, having been in the meat trade from slaughterhouses all the way through to retail, is that very few animals have any concept IF HANDLED WELL through lairage, loading etc to stunning. Unfortunately that is only likely to happen at smaller, more "personal" houses. Larger the unit, larger the throughput the less people care...same as any form of work.