JBS Green Bay, Inc.: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2023 (USDA)

313.1

At Approximately 7:00 am, on September 13th 2023, while performing HATS IV, Handling during ante-mortem inspection, CSI REDACTED observed the following noncompliance with HATS VII. CSI REDACTED was observing Steers being moved out of pen 30 and into the main alleyway when a Holstien Steer slipped and fell touching its hind underside to ground with both hind feet splayed to the sides in the entry way of the pen. Inside the pen was completely damp and soiled and the grooves were filled with waste material and wet sawdust, the alley way had fresh bedding, but it was not evenly spread over the wet areas leading the steer to slip on the wet, soiled bedding. After the fall, the steer stood up and walked without difficulty into the front part of the barn. No injuries were apparent. CSI REDACTED applied a verbal regulatory control action on the pen restricting it’s use. She then informed barn supervisor REDACTED of the Noncompliance. The Establishment’s corrective actions were to spread out the bedding evenly and place more bedding inside the pen. Upon completion of the corrective actions, CSI REDACTED released the pen for use. CSI REDACTED did not observe anymore slips or falls in that pen when animals entered that pen.

313.1

On June 9th 2023 at approximately 11:00 am, while performing HATS Category IV, Handling During Ante-Mortem Inspection, I observed the following regulatory noncompliance. I was observing a group of cows being moved off the barn scale and into the alleyway when a cow slipped on the black, rubber mat falling on the knees of the forelimbs. I observed the cow rise on its own and walk without difficulty into the alleyway. The animal did not appear to have any external injuries as a result of the slipping incident. After the remainder of the group of cows exited the scale area, I observed a puddle of standing water approximately 12 x 12 inches on the black, rubber, mat. As the wet mat was slippery, I asked for corrective actions to be taken before moving subsequent groups of animals onto the scale. I notified barn supervisor REDACTED of my observations and the forthcoming issuing of a regulatory noncompliance record. As an immediate corrective action, the barn personnel spread lime powder on the entirety of the barn scale to ensure adequate slip resistance and traction. Upon completion of the corrective action, I allowed animals to be placed on the barn scale. No additional slipping was witnessed. This regulatory noncompliance is linked with noncompliance QSM0311045825N, documented on 04/18/2023 for a similar noncompliance due to slipping of livestock within the livestock holding areas and the barn. In response to the 04/18/2023 NR (QSM0311045825N), the establishment provided written preventive measures: “REDACTED.” These preventive measures have not been implemented at this time. REDACTED, DVM

313.1

At approximately 10:23 am on April 18th , while performing HATS IV, Handling During Ante-mortem Inspection, SCSI REDACTED observed the following noncompliance. SCSI REDACTED was observing cows being moved out of a pen and into the alleyway when a cow slipped and fell on its side while it was going around a corner. The alley way had enough sawdust and no liquid manure was present. SCSI REDACTED observed the animal right itself and walk without difficulty into the front part of the barn. No external injuries were apparent. Upon completion of ante-mortem inspection for the pen of cows, SCSI REDACTED took a regulatory control action did not allow further use of alleyway. SCSI REDACTED notified barn supervisor REDACTED of his observations and the forthcoming noncompliance record. As an immediate corrective action, the barn personnel utilized lime for additional footing. Upon completion of the corrective action, SCSI REDACTED released the alleyway for use.

313.1

At approximately 10:36 am, while performing HATS IV, Handling During Ante-mortem Inspection, CSI REDACTED observed the following noncompliance: CSI REDACTED observed a steer, exiting the weight scale, slip and fall while moving through the alleyway. CSI REDACTED observed the animal right itself and walk without difficulty into pen 17. No external injuries were apparent. Upon completion of ante-mortem inspection for the load of steers, CSI REDACTED took a regulatory control action through his presence and refused use of alleyway. Per 9 CFR 313.1 (b), Floors of livestock pens, ramps, and driveways shall be constructed and maintained so as to provide good footing for livestock. The exit to the scale did not have sufficient grip surface for the animal to remain upright. CSI REDACTED notified barn supervisor REDACTED of his observations and the forthcoming noncompliance record. As an immediate corrective action, the barn personnel utilized lime for additional footing. Upon completion of the corrective action, CSI REDACTED released the scale for use.

313.1

On October 25, 2022, at approximately 6:50 am while performing HAT’s category IV-antemortem inspection, CSI REDACTED observed a dairy cow laying in pen 37. Barn Supervisor REDACTED tried sereral times wuth the rattle paddle to get her to stand but every time the cow tried to get up her hind leg would slip out from under her. There was very little bedding on the floor and appeared to be wet. Much of the bedding was gone in the area of the cow leaving nothing present but the bricks that the floor is made of. This slipping caused that cow’s front legs to buckle and bang her knees on the ground leaving areas (approximately 4” tall by 3” wide) scraped and bleeding on both knees. Once the pen was empty, Barn QA REDACTED placed a QC Hold Tag on the pen. Barn Supervisor REDACTED brought new bedding to the pen to prevent further slipping. When the bedding was in place, I allowed cattle to be placed in the pen. Barn Supervisor REDACTED was notified of the noncompliance.