Humane slaughter of rainbow trout requires effective stunning before any killing method, with electrical and percussive stunning validated as welfare-positive approaches.
Pre-slaughter welfare is one of the most significant welfare moments in trout aquaculture, directly affecting millions of individual animals daily. Asphyxiation in air causes prolonged distress over several minutes while the fish remains conscious. Electrical or percussive stunning renders fish immediately unconscious, eliminating this welfare burden. The technology is available, affordable, and increasingly required by retailers and certification schemes. Consumer demand for certified products drives adoption of humane slaughter methods.