Our contract farmers raise pigs in Finland. We sell products made from local pork under HK® brand.
HKFoods’ commitment to animal welfare is evident throughout the entire production chain. Good health and treatment of pigs form the foundation of all animal welfare. We systematically monitor and improve actions in close cooperation with our contract producers and livestock
transporters. In addition, we are part of an extensive collaboration network that includes industry experts, authorities, Animal Health ETT Association, and Sikava.
Our contract producers and employees are committed to following HKFoods’ guidelines, as well as EU and national legislation and regulations. Furthermore, our contract farms meet the
requirements of the Sikava health classification register. Veterinarians carry out regular farm visits to assess pig health, welfare, and housing conditions.
Welfare closely monitored using the Sikava Index
We closely monitor the welfare of growing pigs in our contract production, using a variety of statistics, qualitative indicators, and the Sikava Welfare Index. The Sikava Index is based on an on-farm assessment conducted by the farm’s designated herd health veterinarian, evaluating the pigs’ health, welfare, and housing conditions. We work in close cooperation with our contract producers and respond promptly to any irregularities
Pigs are naturally curious
Pigs are naturally social animals that want to explore their environment. They like various stimuli, such as straw, hay and wood as well as toys, such as balls, paper bags and ropes. Pigs have an established hierarchy and that is why mixing of groups is avoided.
Pig feed is mainly local grain and by-products of the food industry. Protein sources can include, for example, broad beans, rapeseed and soy.
Pig welfare starts with good care
Pigs raised in Finland always have tails. Sounds obvious, but the reality is different: tail docking is routinely done in many countries. Tails indicate the welfare of pigs: a stressed pig can bite the tail of its mate.
Male piglets are castrated in accordance with legislation during the first few days of life. Only employees who have appropriate training are allowed to perform the operation. During the procedure, the piglets are given pain medication provided by the farm’s own animal health veterinarian. Administering pain medication that is effective for 24 hours has been an established practice in HKFoods’ contract production for years, even before it became a legal requirement.
At the end of 2024, Finnish legislation changed so that local anesthesia could also be given to piglets during castration. Since then, most of our contract producers have adopted the practice of voluntary animal welfare compensation. In this practice, piglets are given anesthesia during surgical castration and a new dose of pain medication the following day to alleviate pain.
From the beginning of 2026, all piglets born in HKFoods’ contract production will receive local anaesthetics in addition to pain medication during castration, even though this is not yet required by law.
We explore the rearing practices together with universities, research institutes and other companies so that we can continuously develop animal welfare.
Employees at our slaughterhouses are trained and the process is strictly controlled. In addition, there is always a veterinarian on site who inspects all the animals. All our slaughterhouses have recording video surveillance and we are constantly developing our operations.
