U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 

FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE 

REPORT OF HUMANE HANDLING 

VERIFICATION VISIT 

1. CASE NUMBER 

05.13.HH011 

PAGE 

1 OF 2 

2. EST. NUMBER 

M527 

3. EST. ID 

5137 

4a. EST. NAME 

Rancho Feeding Corp. 

4b. EST. ADDRESS/P.O. BOX 

1522 Petaluma Blvd. North 

4c. CITY, STATE, ZIPCODE 

Petaluma, CA 94952 

5a. NAME OF DVMS (last, first) 5b. NAME OF PHV (last, first) 5c. NAME OF IIC (last, first - if not PHV) 

6. DATES(S) OF VISIT (MM/DD/YY) 

FROM: TO: 

7. CIRCUIT VISITED (4-digit no.) 8. PLANT SIZE 

Large Small Very Small 

9. SPECIES SLAUGHTERED (Check all species observed) 10a. VOLUME SPEED 

10b. (Head/Hour) 

(Head/Day) 

Bovine Caprine Ovine 

Porcine Equine Other (specify): 

01/28/13 01/28/13 0531 ✖

✖

(b) (7)(C) (b) (7)(C)

(b) (4) 

(b) (4) 

(b) (4) 

12. REASON FOR VISIT (Check all that apply) 

District Office Direction Egregious Violation Religious Exemption 

Routine Assessment Data Driven Visit Special Correlation/Other (specify): 

Repeti ive Non-Compliance Suspicion of Violations 

✖

13. SYSTEMATIC APPROACH (Federal Register Notice dated September 9, 2004 - "Systematic Approach to Humane Handling and Slaughter") 

DOES THE ESTABLISHMENT USE A SYSTEMATIC APPROACH TO HUMANE HANDLING (all four elements*)? 

✖ Yes No 

IF NO CHECK ITEMS BELOW THAT HAVE BEEN IMPLEMENTED; NUMBERS CORRESPOND TO THE FOUR STEPS OF THE SYSTEMATIC APPROACH: 

✖ 1. Initial assessment performed.
 

✖ 2. Facilities' design and handling practices minimize excitement, discomfort and injury to livestock.
 

✖ 3. Periodic evaluations performed on handling methods and, if applicable, stunning methods.
 

✖ 4. Handling practices and facilities modified when necessary.
 

IF THE ESTABLISHMENT HAS NOT IMPLEMENTED A SYSTEMATIC APPROACH TO HUMANE HANDLING, INDICATE THE REASONS PROVIDED: 

1. Not a regulatory requirement. 5. Paperwork burden. 

2. History of good compliance. 6. Only have a couple employees. 

3. The current practices are adequate. 7. Other (specify ) 

4. Handling practices and facilities modified when necessary. 

* 1. Initial assessment performed; 2. Facilities' design and handling practices minimize excitement, discomfort and injury to livestock; 3. Periodic evaluations performed 

on handling methods and, if applicable, stunning methods; 4. Handling practices and facilities modified when necessary) 

FSIS FORM 6000-31 (8/21/2012) 
 

FSIS FORM 6000-31 (8/21/2012) 

CASE NUMBER PAGE 

05.13.HH011 2	 OF 2

EST. NAME 

Rancho Feeding Corp. 

14. RECOMMENDATIONS (Check only one): 

✖ No Action NR by IIC Suspension/Withdrawal Other (specify):

FOR ALL RESPONSES, OTHER THAN "NO ACTION", CHECK ALL CATEGORIES BELOW THAT ARE RELEVANT TO THE ABOVE RECOMMENDATION: 

Inclement Weather Ante-mortem Slips/Falls Facilities 

Truck Unloading Suspect/Disabled Stunning Effectiveness 

Water/Feed Prod Use Return to Consciousness 

15. NARRATIVE REPORT - See attached. (Include the categories listed below in the indicated order. Note: the heading for each category should be entered on a separate

 line above the narrative section for each category ) : 

Correlated With:
 

Summary of Data Assessment Prior to Visit:
 

Systematic Approach Comments:
 

Summary of Reason(s) for Recommendation:
 

Findings/Narrative Report:
 

Correlated With: 

Dr. (b) (7)(C) , SPHV/IIC; (b) (6)	 ; Mr. Babe Amaral, Owner 

Entry Meeting: 


A short entry meeting was held with 
(b) (6) to inform of the routine nature of this visit and to specifically see hog 


harvest. 


Summary of Data Assessment Prior to Visit: 


There has been XX noncompliance reports (NRs) issued for humane handling since the last DVMS visit on 2/15/12. 


A monthly review of HATS shows an adequate number and distribution of hours devoted to humane handling 


verification. The average amount of HAT time spent at this facility over a period of six months was approximately 5.7 


hours. The HATS data from the previous six months showed the majority of the HATS time is spent on verifying 


stunning effectiveness (18.1%) and consciousness on the rail (19.6%). 14.8% was spent verifying humane handling 


during ante mortem inspection. The other HAT categories were as follows: Inclement weather 5.5%, truck unloading 


6.3%, Food and Water Availability 7.4%, Suspect and disabled 2.8%, Prod use 13.5%, Slips and Falls 12%. The nonVMO 


spent more of time on HATS activities than the VMO, which is appropriate as FSIS has hired a nonVMO employee 


specifically to increase the time spent verifying humane handling of livestock. The hours per day spent on verifying the 


humane handling of livestock remained consistent over the previous six months, with the distribution of slaughter classes 


accounting for the variability; bob veal requires more HATS time, normally. 


There were 12,715 animals slaughtered during the six months previous to this visit: dairy cattle (38.6%), bob veal calves 


(15%), bulls (1.3%), heifers (8.7%), steers (7.6%), beef cows (16.4%), heavy calves (1.4%), market hogs (7.6%) and roaster 


swine (<1%). 


This establishment does not have a video camera system. 


Systematic Approach Comments: 


Rancho Feeding Corp. has a robust systematic approach to humane handling with written protocols that addresses the 


three of the four steps listed in the Federal Register Notice 04-013N; 2) Facilities' design and handling practices minimize 


excitement, discomfort and injury to livestock. 3) Periodic evaluations performed on handling methods and, if applicable, 


Continued in 05.13.HH011 Narrative Report
 
 

Systematic Approach Comments (continued) 

1.	 This facility is over 50 years old and has been adapted over the years to stay in 

compliance with relevant humane handling regulations. 

2.	 The facility design and handling practices minimize excitement, discomfort and injury 

to the animals especially with the curved high walled single file chute and no use of an 

electric prod in the holding pens and drive alleys; it used sparingly at the entrance to 

the knock box for adult cattle only and there is an air-powered vibrating prod available 

if needed. 

3.	 Rancho Feeding has a written animal welfare program that delineates the Humane 

Handling of Livestock Receiving and Holding Procedure, Livestock Transport 

Vehicles,(b) (4) Stunning Training, Insensibility Procedure, Procedure for 

Escaped Animal & Emergency Management Plan Suspect Pens Location and 

Euthanasia of Non-ambulatory Livestock. New protocols for the electrical stunning of 

hogs and the movement of hogs have been added to the Animal Welfare Program. 

Weekly Animal Welfare Audits are performed by plant management/ QC staff and this 

establishment documents deviation from the Animal Welfare Program in an Animal 

Welfare Deviation Report and/or Livestock Handling Performance Notification. The 

audit checklist includes electric prod use, slips and falls, stunning, insensibility, 

NADC, DOA, and inspection of transport vehicles, equipment and facilities. The self 

audit lists levels for allowable slips/falls, electric prodding, vocalization, stunning 

accuracy and sensibility that are more stringent than the AMI guidelines. The 

establishment also conducts hourly sensibility audits for all species. The most recent 

3rd Party audit was performed by (b) (4)	 on 08/24/2012 on animal 

welfare and received a 97%, with the only demerits for a lack of a humane handling 

mission statement. All employees and livestock transporters have mandatory Humane 

Handling Training with a signed quiz in English and Spanish. Employee training on 

any or all of the following topics; humane handling, stunning, and animal welfare, is 

conducted at monthly meetings and employees take a graded quiz in English or 

Spanish. The plant maintains records of training, truck driver certification and stunner 

maintenance. All audits, deviation forms and maintenance records were verified for 

CY2012. 

4.	 This establishment has an excellent history of changing animal handling practices 

when necessary – in fact adapted the low wood unloading ramp used for hogs during 

this visit when a suggestion by the DVMS. 

Summary of Reasons for Recommendation: 

There were no noncompliances observed during this visit. 

05.13.HH011 Narrative Report 1 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HATS Category Percent Acceptable? NR issued? 

Compliant 

Inclement Weather NA YES NO 

Truck Unloading 100% YES (4 trucks – 18 market hogs, 2 dairy 

cattle and 10 steers/heifers) 

NO 

Water and Food NA YES NO 

Antemortem 100% YES (23 animals) NO 

Suspect and Disabled 100% YES (facilities adequate) NO 

Prod Use 100% YES (0/52animals) NO 

Slips and Falls 100% YES (0/52 animals) NO 

Stunning Effectiveness 100% YES (13 animals) NO 

Consciousness on Rail 100% YES (13 animals) NO 

Facilities 100% YES (facilities adequate) NO 

Findings/ Narrative Report: 

HAT CATEGORIES: 

I. Inclement Weather 

Regulations: 9 CFR Sec. 313.1 Livestock pens, driveways and ramps. 

(c) U.S. Suspects (as defined in Sec. 301.2) and dying, diseased, and disabled livestock (as defined in Sec. 

301.2(y)) shall be provided with a covered pen sufficient, in the opinion of the inspector, to protect them from the 

adverse climatic conditions of the locale while awaiting disposition by the inspector. 

Observations: 

The pens that house the cattle off the official premises are uncovered; however there are covered 

pens on premise that are used to shelter the animals from the elements during inclement weather. 

In good weather, bob veal are kept in uncovered pens, but were moved to covered pens as it 

became windy and foggy. This establishment is located in an area that rarely receives strong 

storms or very hot weather. 

Determination: 

There are no concerns regarding inclement weather at this establishment. 

II. Truck Unloading 

Regulations: 9 CFR 3Sec. 313.2 Handling of livestock. 

05.13.HH011 Narrative Report 2 
 

 

 

 

 

(a) Driving of livestock from the unloading ramps to the holding pens and from the holding pens to the stunning 

area shall be done with a minimum of excitement and discomfort to the animals. Livestock shall not be forced to 

move faster than a normal walking speed. 

9 CFR Sec. 313.1 Livestock pens, driveways and ramps. 

(a) Livestock pens, driveways and ramps shall be maintained in good repair. They shall be free from sharp or 

protruding objects which may, in the opinion of the inspector, cause injury or pain to the animals. Loose boards, 

splintered or broken planking, and unnecessary openings where the head, feet, or legs of an animal may be 

injured shall be repaired. (b) Floors of livestock pens, ramps, and driveways shall be constructed and maintained 

so as to provide good footing for livestock. Slip resistant or waffled floor surfaces, cleated ramps and the use of 

sand, as appropriate, during winter months are examples of acceptable construction and maintenance. 

Observations: 

Eighteen (18) market hogs were observed during unloading from two trailers during this visit. 

The establishment has a wide wooden ramp/pallet to provide a step for unloading hogs as these 

animals find it harder to negotiate a 12-16” step down than cattle. The DVMS suggested that 

this not be used for cattle as the animals showed a tendency to try and jump over the side edge of 

this structure and there was some potential for slips and falls. The plant manager agreed and also 

stated that they would widen the platform for hogs so as to reach the full width of the trailer door 

to discourage this behavior in pigs as well. Two (2) dairy cows and a load of ten (10) steers and 

heifers arrived in two single level trailers - all drivers have been certified and hauling for the 

establishment for at least 8 years. The cattle exited the trailer in an unexcited fashion with only 

voice encouragement from the driver. The pigs required the occasional use of the rattle paddle 

and guidance with a plastic “pig board” during unloading. 

Determination: 

The minor concern regarding truck unloading at this establishment was addressed immediately 

by the management. 

III. Food and Water Availability 

Regulations: 9 CFR Sec. 313.2 Handling of livestock. 

(e) Animals shall have access to water in all holding pens and, if held longer than 24 hours, access to feed. 

Observations: 

All animals in designated holding pens, on and off premise, had access to fresh water. Animals 

held over 24 hours (adult cattle only are held over 24 hours) are fed hay, this confirmed in 

discussion with In-plant personnel and animals in the adjacent but “off premises” yards were 

observed eating hay. Bob veal are provided with both a water trough and a nipple bucket, 

although no bob veal calves were observed during this visit. 

Determination: 

05.13.HH011 Narrative Report 3 
 

 

 

There were no concerns at this establishment at this time regarding food and water availability. 

IV. Antemortem 

Regulations: Sec. 313.2 Handling of livestock. 

(a) Driving of livestock from the unloading ramps to the holding pens and from the holding 

pens to the stunning area shall be done with a minimum of excitement and discomfort to the 

animals. Livestock shall not be forced to move faster than a normal walking speed. (b) Electric 

prods, canvas slappers, or other implements employed to drive animals shall be used as little as 

possible in order to minimize excitement and injury. Any use of such implements which, in the 

opinion of the inspector, is excessive, is prohibited. Electrical prods attached to AC house 

current shall be reduced by a transformer to the lowest effective voltage not to exceed 50 volts 

AC. (c) Pipes, sharp or pointed objects, and other items which, in the opinion of the inspector, 

would cause injury or unnecessary pain to the animal shall not be used to drive livestock. (d) 

Disabled livestock and other animals unable to move. (1) Disabled animals and other animals 

unable to move shall be separated from normal ambulatory animals and placed in the covered 

pen provided for in Sec. 313.1 (c). (2) The dragging of disabled animals and other animals 

unable to move, while conscious, is prohibited. Stunned animals may, however, be dragged. 

(3) Disabled animals and other animals unable to move may be moved, while conscious, on 

equipment suitable for such purposes; e.g., stone boats. (e) Animals shall have access to water 

in all holding pens and, if held longer than 24 hours, access to feed. There shall be sufficient 

room in the holding pen for animals held overnight to lie down. 

Observations: 

Antemortem Inspection was observed for twenty three (23) market hogs. Animals were handled 

gently in a slow quiet manner using only flight zone and a pig board. 

Determination: 

There are no concerns with the humane treatment of livestock during antemortem activities at 

this establishment at this time. 

V. Suspect and Disabled 

Regulations: 9 CFR Sec. 313.1 Livestock pens, driveways and ramps. 

(c) U.S. Suspects (as defined in Sec. 301.2 (xxx)) and dying, diseased, and disabled livestock 

(as defined in Sec. 301.2(y)) shall be provided with a covered pen sufficient, in the opinion of 

the inspector, to protect them from the adverse climatic conditions of the locale while awaiting 

disposition by the inspector. 

05.13.HH011 Narrative Report 4 
 

 

 

Observations: 

There are two labeled designated U.S. Suspect pens that meet all regulatory requirements. There 

were no disabled animals observed during this visit. 

Determination: 

There are no concerns at this time at this establishment regarding the humane treatment of 

suspect and disabled animals. 

VI. Slips and Falls 

Regulations: 9 CFR 3Sec. 313.2 Handling of livestock. 

(a) Driving of livestock from the unloading ramps to the holding pens and from the 

holding pens to the stunning area shall be done with a minimum of excitement and discomfort 

to the animals. Livestock shall not be forced to move faster than a normal walking speed. (b) 

Floors of livestock pens, ramps, and driveways shall be constructed and maintained so as to 

provide good footing for livestock. Slip resistant or waffled floor surfaces, cleated ramps and 

the use of sand, as appropriate, during winter months are examples of acceptable construction 

and maintenance. 

Observations: 

No animal was observed to slip or fall during truck unloading or movement through the drive 

alleys or single file chute. The footing is grooved concrete with rebar treads through the holding 

area. 

Determination: 

There is no concern regarding slips and falls at his establishment at this time. 

VII. Prod Use 

Regulations: 9 CFR Sec. 313.2 Handling of livestock. 

(b) Electric prods, canvas slappers, or other implements employed to drive animals shall be 

used as little as possible in order to minimize excitement and injury. Any use of such 

05.13.HH011 Narrative Report 5 
 

implements which, in the opinion of the inspector, is excessive, is prohibited. Electrical prods 

attached to AC house current shall be reduced by a transformer to the lowest effective voltage 

not to exceed 50 volts AC. (c) Pipes, sharp or pointed objects, and other items which, in the 

opinion of the inspector, would cause injury or unnecessary pain to the animal shall not be 

used to drive livestock. 

Observations: 

Employees at Rancho Feeding Corp moved swine with a combination of pig board, rattle paddle 

and flight zone. No prods of any type were observed during this visit. 

Determination: 

There are no concerns regarding prod at this establishment at this time. 

VIII. Stunning Effectiveness 

Regulations: Sec. 313.15 Mechanical; captive bolt. 

(3) Immediately after the stunning blow is delivered the animals shall be in a state of complete 

unconsciousness and remain in this condition throughout shackling, sticking and bleeding.(b) 

Facilities and procedures--(1) General requirements for stunning facilities; operator. (i) 

Acceptable captive bolt stunning instruments may be either skull penetrating or 

nonpenetrating. The latter type is also described as a concussion or mushroom type stunner. 

Penetrating instruments on detonation deliver bolts of varying diameters and lengths through 

the skull and into the brain. Unconsciousness is produced immediately by physical brain 

destruction and a combination of changes in intracranial pressure and acceleration 

concussion. Nonpenetrating or mushroom stunners on detonation deliver a bolt with a 

flattened circular head against the external surface of the animal's head over the brain. 

Diameter of the striking surface of the stunner may vary as conditions require. 

Unconsciousness is produced immediately by a combination of acceleration concussion and 

changes in intracranial pressures. A combination instrument utilizing both penetrating and 

nonpenetrating principles is acceptable. Energizing of instruments may be accomplished by 

detonation of measured charges of gunpowder or accurately controlled compressed air. 

Captive bolts shall be of such size and design that, when properly positioned and activated, 

immediate unconsciousness is produced. (ii) To assure uniform unconsciousness with every 

blow, compressed air devices must be equipped to deliver the necessary constant air pressure 

and must have accurate, constantly operating air pressure gauges. Gauges must be easily read 

and conveniently located for use by the stunning operator and the inspector. For purposes of 

protecting employees, inspectors, and others, it is desirable that any stunning device be 

equipped with safety features to prevent injuries from accidental discharge. Stunning 

instruments must be maintained in good repair. (iii) The stunning area shall be so designed 

and constructed as to limit the free movements of animals sufficiently to allow the operator to 

locate the stunning blow with a high degree of accuracy. All chutes, alleys, gates and 

05.13.HH011 Narrative Report 6 
 

 

restraining mechanisms between and including holding pens and stunning areas shall be free 

from pain-producing features such as exposed bolt ends, loose boards, splintered or broken 

planking, and protruding sharp metal of any kind. There shall be no unnecessary holes or 

other openings where feet or legs of animals may be injured. Overhead drop gates shall be 

suitably covered on the bottom edge to prevent injury on contact with animals. Roughened or 

cleated cement shall be used as flooring in chutes leading to stunning areas to reduce falls of 

animals. Chutes, alleys, and stunning areas shall be so designed that they will comfortably 

accommodate the kinds of animals to be stunned.(iv) The stunning operation is an exacting 

procedure and requires a well-trained and experienced operator. He must be able to accurately 

place the stunning instrument to produce immediate unconsciousness. He must use the correct 

detonating charge with regard to kind, breed, size, age, and sex of the animal to produce the 

desired results.(2) Special requirements and prohibitions. (i) Choice of instrument and force 

required to produce immediate unconsciousness varies, depending on kind, breed, size, age, 

and sex of the animal. Young swine, lambs, and calves usually require less stunning force 

than mature animals of the same kind. Bulls, rams, and boars usually require skull 

penetration to produce immediate unconsciousness. Charges suitable for smaller kinds of 

livestock such as swine or for young animals are not acceptably interchanged for use on 

larger kinds or older livestock, respectively. 

Observations: 

Rancho feeding employs a (b) (4) (electrical) set to deliver a stun of at least (b) (4) 

 The establishment utilizes a two phase stun. Thirteen (13) animals were observed during 

stunning, and all were insensible after the head stun; in every case this was followed by a cardiac 

stun in an appropriate location. All animals exhibited an appropriate grand mal seizure 

indicating a proper stun. The equipment was well maintained with clean contacts and a readily 

visible current indicator light. 

Determination: 

There are no concerns in regards to stunning at this establishment at this time. 

IX. Consciousness on the Rail 

Regulations: Sec. 313.15 Mechanical; captive bolt. 

(3) Immediately after the stunning blow is delivered the animals shall be in a state of complete 

unconsciousness and remain in this condition throughout shackling, sticking and bleeding. 

Observations: 

Thirteen (13) animals were assessed for consciousness on the rail. None shows any signs of 

returning consciousness. After the first seven animals, the DVMS suggested to management 

that, like they do for cattle, the animals should be assessed for consciousness. Dr (b) (7)(C) 

05.13.HH011 Narrative Report 7 
 

explained that because the animals were still partially in seizure while shackled and hoisted it 

was not only dangerous for the employee but difficult to differentiate between reflexive 

nystamus and a true palpebral reflex, that swine be assessed for sensibility before sticking and 

again before scalding. The plant manager thought this was an excellent suggestion and it was 

immediately put into effect. After this, the team of employees verified the insensibility of every 

animal before the stick and again before scalding by assessing palpebral reflexes. 

Determination: 

There are no concerns in regards to consciousness on the rail at this establishment at this time. 

Other Areas of Assessment: 

o	 Vocalizing - vocalization was at a normal level for the species and numbers of animals 

present with cattle lowing to each other occasionally and setting off a chorus that quickly 

stopped. No vocalization heard that was due to pain or distress. 

o	 Pen Stocking Density – all animals had free access to water and room to lie down in the 

pens. 

Exit Interview 

Present at the early Exit Interview held at approximately 1130 hours were Dr. (b) (7)(C) , 

DVMS, Dr. (b) (7)(C) SPHV/IIC, (b) (6) and Mr. Babe 

Amaral, Owner. Topics addressed at this meeting included: 

o	 HATS evaluation 

Dr. (b) (7)(C) reported on her verification activities. She stated that she had seen no 

noncompliances for humane handling during this visit in the following HATS Categories: I 

Inclement Weather, II Truck Unloading, III Water and Food Availability, IV Antemortem, V 

Suspect and Disabled, VI Prod Use, VII Slips and Falls, VIII Stunning Effectiveness and IX 

Consciousness on the Bleed Rail. 

o Unloading Ramp for Hogs 

Dr. (b) (7)(C) reiterated her discussion on not using this step/ramp for cattle as they tried to 

bypass it. (b) (6) stated that they would widen the ramp to reach the full width of the 

05.13.HH011 Narrative Report 8 
 

trailer. He also stated that in the fairly immediate future, the establishment had plans to pour 

a low concrete ramp to secure a more permanent solution to facilitate hog unloading. 

o Monitoring Sensibility of Hogs 

Dr. (b) (7)(C) stated that the employees appeared to take ownership of the task of assessing 

sensibility in the hogs. (b) (6) and Mr. Amaral stated that they were already used to 

doing so in cattle and that they had an experienced and well-trained crew. 

05.13.HH011 Narrative Report 9