DGS is transforming the slaughter industry with animal welfare

At DGS, innovation is at the heart of everything we do, with one of the most significant areas of focus being animal welfare. We strive to create a better and more animal-friendly way of slaughtering. Collaborations with experts such as Roy Melsert, owner of MHS Consultancy, strengthen this mission.

Roy Melsert, founder of his own animal welfare consultancy, has been working in the slaughter industry since 1996. What began in a time when animal welfare was less prioritized has evolved into a mission to continuously improve animal welfare. Roy has led numerous projects through organizations like Eyes on Animals and is now a sought-after advisor for slaughterhouses. “I see it as a sport to make small steps forward. For a good piece of meat, animals don’t have to suffer,” emphasizes Roy.

A Shared Passion for Animal Welfare

At DGS, we draw inspiration from the methodology of Temple Grandin, a world authority on animal-friendly systems. One example of this is the often-mentioned stunning box. Roy shares his first experience with this system enthusiastically: “It was a revelation. Animals walk through it much more easily because the design takes their natural behavior into account. The system is simple to use, reduces tasks for employees, and is suitable for various species. Innovations like this truly make a difference.”

DGS’s stunning box stands out for its simplicity and effectiveness. While traditional systems often cause anxiety in animals due to closed spaces or excessive technology, DGS’s design provides a stress-free experience. This not only leads to better conditions for the animals but also results in happier employees and a smoother process.

The Automatic Drive: A New Standard

Another recent and groundbreaking project is the automatic drive, developed with the goal of eliminating the use of electric prods in the drive alley. A well-known Dutch slaughterhouse brought this idea to Henk, co-founder of DGS, after which an intensive development process followed. The result is a system that has been successfully operational for over six months and is hailed by Roy as “a new standard in animal welfare.” The automatic drive was designed from the ground up, demonstrating how DGS always thinks ahead.

While many slaughterhouses still view animal welfare as a cost, this system proves that investing in animal welfare pays off. “Production runs more smoothly, employees are happier, fewer mistakes are made, and the quality of the meat improves. Animal welfare and high production are not mutually exclusive,” says Roy.

Animal Welfare as a Vision for the Future

The demand for animal-friendly solutions is growing, driven by societal developments and customer requirements. Slaughterhouses cannot afford to fall behind. With our systems, we play a leading role in this transition.

Roy emphasizes, “At DGS, the word ‘can’t’ doesn’t exist. They always think further and take bold steps. Together, we put animal welfare at the center, even in the slaughterhouses of the future.”

 

With innovations like the stunning box and the automatic drive, DGS continues to lead the way in the slaughter industry. Together with experts like Roy Melsert and our partners across Europe, we are working towards a future where animal welfare is at the heart of it all.