Mexican Animal Welfare Improvements by Achieved through Danish Consultancy

Animal welfare is not just about ethics and humanity it is also about common sense and good economy. This has become common knowledge and guideline in Danish pig production, not least in the pre-slaughter processes in the sector, and the approach is increasingly being implemented abroad. 

The search for sustainability permeates the entire value chain in the Danish pig production. In the abattoir this means keeping a constant focus on animal welfare while also securing efficiency at the pre-slaughter handling. The two may be conceived as opposites. But with the right efforts, the management and operations of the pre-slaughter line the two go fruitfully together.

In Mexican pork export association, PROAN, there was a need to address issues with welfare and meat quality. The solutions were provided through the consultancy and guidelines by Danish Meat Researching Institue, the DMRI.

DMRI educate and train slaughterhouse operators and managers around the world in correct animal handling. In Mexico the DMRI Welfare and Quality Check (WQC) was used and implemented as the tool for surveillance, benchmarking and communication of the animal welfare.

Evaluation of animal welfare and meat quality
Animal welfare standards can be measured and calibrated for maximum efficiency. The WQC protocol developed by DMRI evaluates animal welfare using a setup of parameters that combines management related issues with practical arrangements, animal-based measures, and meat quality.

With the WQC app, PROAN slaughterhouse processes now ensures less loss, ability to meet customer demands and continued improvement

The slaughterhouse operators were educated in correct animal handling with focus on improving meat quality. The WQC protocol includes observations and graduation of indicators within all areas of the slaughterhouse from unloading to sticking and meat quality.

Optimal animal welfare can improve your bottom line
Reduction in drip losses, reduction in waste and trim, improved water holding capacity and improved tenderness are a few of the benefits that can be achieved using the principles in the WQC protocol.

In Mexico it has improved animal welfare with significant benefits to the meat quality. With the WQC app, PROAN slaughterhouse processes now includes better control of animal welfare using the technology at different areas of the plant from the beginning to the final result ensuring. This ensures less loss, ability to meet customer demands and continued improvement.