The animals are never raised with the use of antibiotics, however, a sick animal will be treated as necessary. Hormones are never used to promote growth, and the pigs’ diet consists of forages, locally grown grain and they are never fed any animal by-products. All of our pigs are well handled, friendly and enjoy human contact. They are allowed to exhibit normal pig behaviour, for example, rooting in the dirt. When they are used to being handled, they do not become stressed easily. This is especially important right before slaughter as excessive stress can seriously affect meat quality.