Frivatti Industrial Conducts Training on Animal Welfare, Loading Handling, Transport, and Receiving of Pigs for Slaughter

Frivatti Industrial, through its Quality Control department, organized and held an essential training session last Saturday, the 31st, on Animal Welfare in the Handling of Loading, Transport, and Receiving of Pigs for Slaughter.

The event brought together teams of handlers, drivers, and staff responsible for receiving animals at the slaughterhouse. The training also counted on the presence of Frivatti Agro’s director, Neliete Aparecida Coelho Valiati, emphasizing the strategic importance of the topic for the company’s entire production chain.

The training was conducted by veterinarian Dr. Bruna L. Portela Vendrame, a specialist in Meat Industry and Quality from Agroceres PIC. Bruna provided fundamental guidance on best practices in handling, highlighting how each step—from loading on the farm to receiving at the slaughterhouse—directly impacts both animal welfare and meat quality.

She warned that pig transport is not merely a logistical issue but a critical phase that can cause significant losses if poorly executed. Industry data show that transport handling failures are responsible for substantial losses in Brazil, as well as posing risks to sustainability and compliance with legal animal welfare requirements.

During the training, topics such as preparing animals on the farm, correct practices during transport, and unloading procedures were discussed. Among the recommendations, Bruna emphasized the use of appropriate tools like flags, boards, and rattles, avoiding any methods that may cause stress or injuries to the animals.

Other key points included maintaining pigs’ social groups to avoid mixing animals from different pens and caring for loading ramps, which should have an incline of less than 20°, non-slip flooring, proper lighting, and no obstacles.

The driver’s responsibility during transport is essential. Trucks must be clean, disinfected, well-ventilated, and equipped with internal dividers. The risk of overheating was stressed, especially when the vehicle remains stopped immediately after loading, particularly in the first hours when ventilation is insufficient. This can cause thermal stress and even mortality.

Bruna also advised on identifying signs of stress in animals, such as heavy breathing, trembling, and salivation, and on emergency measures like providing shade, humidity in the environment, and avoiding pouring water directly on the pigs. She pointed out that animals with higher muscle development and lower fat are even more sensitive to stress, requiring extra care.

In conclusion, it became clear to everyone present that adopting best practices in transport and handling is not only a legal obligation but an essential strategy to ensure sustainability, reduce losses, and guarantee a high-quality product. By promoting this training, Frivatti reinforces its commitment to animal welfare, process excellence, and valuing its employees and partners.