Animal Welfare – Minerva Foods | Criando conexões entre pessoas, alimentos e natureza.

Animal Welfare

No results of indicators with

Check your query term or enter another category.

Back to Indicators

placeholderCont indicator results for "placeholderBusca"

Filtering:

% of animals purchased by type of breeding

FB-MP-160a.3 SDG 15
2021 2022 2023
Raised in confinement 29.80 33.90 15.90
Pastured-raised animals 71.10 66.10 84.10
Semi confinement 11.30 15.90 10.63
Intensive Pasture Termination (IPT) 4.40 5.50 2.18
Pasture 55.40 44.70 71.29

Context

In 2023, our efforts in improving breeding practices for cattle (Brazil and Latam) and sheep (Australia) yielded impressive results. We reached a commendable milestone with 84.10% of animals purchased from pasture- raised systems, Intensive Pasture Termination (IPT), or semiconfinement, marking a remarkable increase of over 20% from the previous year. Furthermore, 100% of sheep were exclusively raised on pasture.

Animal welfare monitoring – Industry*

SDG 15
2021 2022 2023
% Stunned animals 89,56 93,39 89.16
% First shot stun effectiveness 97,80 99,00 98.63
% Poorly stunned animals in the vomiting area 0,09 0 0.05
Time between stunning and bleeding (seconds) 54,60 47,66 45.96
% Slips during landing handling and driving through corridors 1,87 1.10 0.57
% Falls during landing handling and driving through corridors 0,54 0,72 0.27
% Vocalization of animals during handling through corridors, syringe and stunning box 1,22 1,00 1.25
% Use of an electric stick to guide the animals 5,29 5,89 10.56
% Carcasses with bruises 4,16 4,83 10.32
% mortality 0,02 0,71 0.02
% of emergency slaughter 0,04 1,38 0.02

Context

Ensuring animal welfare lies at the core of Minerva Foods’ operations. We view animals as sentient beings and uphold a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of abuse, neglect, or mistreatment. Our commitment is rooted in the five domains recommended by the Farm Animal Welfare Committee (FAWC), which we integrate into our operations and throughout our value chain. In addition to strict compliance with prevailing legislation in the countries where we operate, we adhere to high animal welfare standards through a series of specific procedures and controls. This approach is bolstered by internationally recognized codes and protocols, such as the North American Meat Institute (NAMI) Protocol, in the United States, and European Union Regulation 1.099, along with the European Union and Chile Traceability Regulations.
Guided by our Policies on the subject, we in unequivocally pledge to ensure the appropriate and compassionate treatment of animals across our supply chain. This commitment extends to various species, including cattle, sheep, pigs, broiler chickens, fish, dairy cows, and laying hens.
* Global average for Brazil, Argentina, Australia, Colombia, Paraguay and Uruguay.

 

Animal Welfare Monitoring – Transport*

SDG 15
2021 2022 2023
Average transport time (hours) 5,33 5,16 4.17
% animals transported on journeys of up to 8 hours 86,89 85,38 89.50
Average radius of transportation distance (Km) 239,64 324,71 256.78

Context

To gauge our challenges and track progress, we’ve implemented the AW Compliance Matrix, which integrates adherence to laws, current standards, and various international protocols. This matrix applies across ranch, transport, and industrial operations within the cattle chain. Analyses are conducted under the purview of Industrial and Animal Welfare Management, overseen by a specialized team. Entries are logged in a designated platform equipped with formulas for accurate index calculations. This setup enables each responsible individual to promptly identify deviations from targets and pinpoint areas for improvement. These areas are then
forwarded for negotiation. Performance results are not only regularly monitored but also presented at meetings of the Company’s senior management. This ensures that investments and strategic decisions are directed towards optimal outcomes. Furthermore, the progression of animal welfare indicators is closely monitored during weekly meetings. Certain indicators, such as the severity of bruises, are included in the Company’s targets, directly influencing managers’ bonuses. In 2023, the internal management of animal welfare (AW) became part of Minerva Foods’ Sustainability area, addressing strategic AW cases within the Sustainability Committee. This committee is tasked with deliberating, deciding, and implementing actions and practices swiftly and effectively, ensuring animal welfare remains a top priority.
* Global average for Brazil, Argentina, Australia, Colombia, Paraguay and Uruguay.

Animal welfare monitoring – Farm*

SDG 15
2021 2022 2023
% Animals raised in confinements 29,80 23,02 17.87
% Neutered animals* 25,05 24,96 28.33

Context

Minerva Foods’ Animal Welfare Policy and Program sets strict requirements that are also applied on the farms where the slaughtered cattle originate. Our cattle ranching partners and the drivers responsible for transportation are duly trained and instructed to carry out the raising and handling of the animals in a humane manner, following the 5 principles of animal welfare. The Company also distributes the Animal Welfare Booklet and other guidance materials for professionals involved in animal handling.
* Global average for Brazil, Argentina, Australia, Colombia, Paraguay and Uruguay.

Training and qualification

SDG 15
2021 2022 2023
Total number of employees trained 486 847 1,614
Total number of third parties trained 1,419 1,123 3,494

Context

In 2023, we achieved over 2,700 hours of BEA training, reaching over 1,600 employees and 3,400 third parties. And we invested more than 806,400 dollars in initiatives on the subject.

Animal welfare audits*

SDG 15
2021 2022 2023
% compliance in second party BEA audits 97.29 99.60 82.26
% compliance in third-party BEA audits 99.49 99.88 99.97

Context

Minerva Foods ensures that 100% of its production originates from industrial units certified in animal welfare. Across Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Colombia, and Argentina. All units have received certification from auditors accredited by the Professional Animal Auditor Certification Organization (PAACO). These audits adhere to the NAMI (North American Meat Institute) Protocol, recognized internationally, with an exceptional overall compliance rate of 99.97%. In Australia, our units are certified by the Australian Livestock Processing Industry Animal Welfare Certification System (AAWCS) protocol, boasting a perfect compliance rate of 100%. In Uruguay, 7.10% of animals purchased buy Minerva Foods are certified under the Global Animal Partnership (GAP) Step 4, one of the leading animal welfare programs in North America.
* Global average for Brazil, Argentina, Australia, Colombia, Paraguay and Uruguay.
** In 2023, Argentina was standardizing its second-party audit protocol.

% of production volume certified by third parties with animal health and welfare standards

FB-MP-410a.3 GRI 13.11.2 SDG 15
2021 2022 2023
Brazil
North American Meat Institute (NAMI) - - 100
Latam
North American Meat Institute (NAMI) - - 100
Colombia and Paraguay
McDonald's Animal Health and Welfare (AHW - BSE) - - 100
Australia
Protocols applicable to the country* - - 100

Context

* AAWCS; Council Regulation (EC) No.1099-2009 on the protection of animals at the time of killing (v23.08.22); Export Meat Operational Guideline 1.3 Departmentrecognised animal welfare system (March 2023);
Hilton Food Group Animal Welfare Supplier Standard (V2 08.12.21)

Reference Filter