Lower Saxony's First: Farmer Slaughters Pigs On-Site for Better Welfare
Alexander Schmidt from the Lüneburg Heath has made history as the first farmer in Lower Saxony to receive permission for on-site pasture slaughtering. Since June 2023, he has been using a mobile slaughter trailer to humanely process his outdoor-reared Berkshire pigs, with Dr. Jens Müller serving as the official veterinarian.
Schmidt, who keeps around 70 outdoor-reared animals, finds this method both logistically challenging and emotionally taxing. However, he views it as an integral part of honest animal husbandry. The mobile trailer stuns and bleeds the animals, ensuring a stress-free process.
In contrast, traditional pasture slaughtering requires substantial organizational and personnel effort, resulting in a low slaughter performance of just two pigs per hour. Schmidt's innovative approach aims to improve efficiency while maintaining animal welfare standards.
Schmidt's pioneering initiative allows for more humane and efficient on-site slaughtering. With Dr. Müller overseeing the process, the welfare of the animals remains a top priority. This method could potentially set a new standard for pig slaughtering in Lower Saxony.
