Trade & transport

The beef cattle farmer is an important link in the chain. Indeed, the basis for our meat products lies in the farmyard. Beef offers a great deal of variety in comparison with the much more uniform pork. There are many different types of beef cattle and the animals also differ widely from one another. So, we distinguish between beef cattle and dairy cattle. Vion Tilburg supplies meat of both qualities, geared specifically toward market requirements.

Dealers
For Vion Food Group’s cattle site to supply the correct number of beef cattle at the right time, in addition to its own employees professional dealers are also required. They act as a point of contact for the beef cattle farmers. They bring together supply and demand. These dealers operate according to the requirements of the Cattle Trade Quality Regulations (GHP code). 
The slaughter cattle hauliers meet the quality regulations for the transport of livestock (GTP code).

Quality regulations
The entire working practice of purchasing and transporting beef cattle is laid out in a manual. It states what criteria and checks are applicable. Important checkpoints are the Identification and Registration numbers worn by beef cattle in their ears, and whether a cow's life is specifically time-limited. In this way the present whereabouts of each individual animal can always be traced, at any point in time.

Transport
Lorries used to transport the animals must satisfy quality requirements, checked by the Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (VWA). The rough floor of the lorry is covered with litter. Adjustable vents take care of the optimal temperature in the lorry. Travel time is limited as far as possible
Tranquillisers (agents to pacify the animals) are not permitted during transport. The drivers must follow compulsory training on the correct way of handling the animals.

Cleaning and disinfecting
As soon as the beef cattle have been delivered, the lorries are cleaned and disinfected. This is recorded. The VWA regularly checks this. In addition, Vion Food Group performs inspections itself.