Transport to Slaughter

Question 1

What are the steps of Pigs going to Slaughter?

Answer 1

1. Loading
2. Transport
3. Unloading
4. Large
5. Slaughter

Question 2

What are the steps of Cattle and Sheep going to slaughter?

Answer 2

1. Loading
2. Transport
3. Livestock Market
4. Unloading
5. Transport
6. Unloading
7. Large
8. Slaughter

Question 3

What are the transport requirements for Live animals?

Answer 3

Certificate of Competence
Approved Vehicles (if journey >8 hours)
Animals not caused injury or unnecessary suffering
Animals are fit to travel

Question 4

What can NOT occur in an abattoir?

Answer 4

Animals that can’t move independently
Animals with sever open wounds of prolapses
Pregnant animals >90% through gestation
New born mammals with unhealed navel
Pigs <3 weeks
Lambs <1 week
Calves <10 days if journey >100km
Medicated animals which haven’t finished withdrawal period

Question 5

What are the rules on unloading?

Answer 5

Unload as soon as possible - slaughter without unnecessary delay
Suitable facilities to unload all animals safely
<20 degree ramps
Non-slip flooring with side guards
No sharp edges

Question 6

What are the Food Business Operator’s (FBO) Responsibilities?

Answer 6

Skilled and knowledgable stockmen
Caring and responsible planning and management
Appropriate environmental design
Human slaughter methods
Check paperwork and make FCI available to OV

Question 7

What are the identification requirements for Cattle?

Answer 7

Pair of ear tags
One yellow - crown logo, country code, herd mark, individual number
Second tag on opposite ear - same information as other tag, different size/style
Also require passport

Question 8

What are the identification requirements for Sheep?

Answer 8

Single ear tag under 12 months old - flock or herd number
Replace with 2 adult tags after 12 months of age - includes individual identification number
EID tags are used as a second identification

Question 9

How are pigs identified?

Answer 9

Tag, tattoo or slap marks within 12 months

Question 10

What happens if an animal is missing it’s identification?

Answer 10

Immediately inform OV
Detain animal and notify farmer
48 hours to correctly identify animal (passport required for cows)
replace lost or damaged ear tags with replica tag
DNA testing to prove identification?
If can’t identify animal - can’t enter food chain
Unidentified animals not allowed in abattoir