Animal Welfare

The welfare of our animals is paramount. That’s why providing the best possible facilities is a given.

At ABP, we have a duty of care to the animals we handle. It is central to how we run our facilities and why we consult with leading animal experts to create an environment that is as stress-free as possible for our cattle.

Relaxed animals produce lower glycogen levels, resulting in better quality meat. More importantly, it means customers can be confident that our processes go beyond industry standards. We know they expect nothing less - and our cattle deserve nothing less.

Handle with care – it makes for happier animals and better quality meat.

Gentle handling in well-designed facilities will minimise stress levels, improve efficiency and maintain good quality meat. That’s what Dr. Temple Grandin, the world’s leading authority on animal welfare, believes and has proven over and over again.

At ABP, we have worked closely with Dr. Grandin, using her knowledge and wealth of experience in the design of our lairages and the treatment of our animals.

Taking her learnings, our lairages include curved solid walls which prevent cattle seeing too far ahead, focusing instead on the animal in front of them. We use quiet-activating locks to reduce noise, anti-slip rubberised flooring, with uniform colour and natural light throughout. All of these measures contribute to a more relaxed, stress-free environment and help us reach the highest standards in animal welfare.

We are continuing to put these practices into action across ABP. So, we were delighted when Dr. Grandin paid a recent visit to one of our sites and expressed her approval of the way we have applied and evolved her theories.

We also adhere to the ‘Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare’

  1. Freedom from Hunger and Thirst – by ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigour.
  2. Freedom from Discomfort – by prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment.
  3. Freedom from Pain, Injury or Disease – by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animal’s own kind.
  4. Feedom to Express Normal Behaviour – by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animal’s own kind.
  5. Freedom from Fear and Distress – by ensuring conditions and treatment which avoids mental suffering.

To learn more about our collaboration with Temple Grandin watch the video below.

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