Pigs

Pig farming in HKFoods’ food chain

Our contract farmers raise pigs in Finland. We sell products made from local pork under HK® brand.

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.

No tail docking in Finland 

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 during their first week of life using pain relief, local anaesthetics or anaesthesia. Only employees who have appropriate training are allowed to perform the operation.

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.

Little chickens - Birds are reared indoors in separate chicken houses where the solid floor is covered with fresh litter.

Poultry farming

Our contract farmers grow poultry in Finland and Denmark. We provide contract farmers with guidance, training and animal health services.

Read more on the farming methods.

Cattle grazing.

Cattle farming

Our contract farmers rear cattle in Finland. In Estonia, we also procure cattle from our partners. We sell products made from local beef under HK® brand.

Read more on the farming methods.