Pig line planning checklist

Process-led planning from lairage to chilling

Record the following before requesting a pig line layout. Mark unknown items for the project team to resolve rather than assuming a specification.

Site, permissions and project scope

  • Land use and site ownership or lease
  • Animal sourcing and product market
  • Local slaughterhouse, veterinary, environmental and building approvals
  • Any halal certification pathway to be confirmed with the competent body

Building and flow

  • Dimensioned floor plan, clear heights, levels and columns
  • Animal entry and lairage route
  • Carcass, personnel, by-product and waste flows
  • Inspection access, isolation and reject route
  • Cold-room location and rail/door interface

Utilities and services

  • Water quantity, pressure and quality assessment
  • Power supply and backup plan
  • Heat or steam source where required
  • Drainage and wastewater treatment concept
  • Cleaning, sanitation and tool service points

Line-specific decisions

  • Stunning and bleeding route
  • Scalding heat, water recirculation and drainage
  • Dehairing and downstream dressing transfer

Share the available answers with the engineering team. Ask the relevant local authority and licensed project professionals to confirm applicable requirements before construction.