Slaughter methods for chickens and turkeys have significant welfare implications; controlled atmosphere stunning is now considered superior to electrical water bath systems on animal welfare grounds.
The transition from electrical water bath to controlled atmosphere stunning eliminates one of the most stressful components of slaughter — being hung upside down on a live-shackle line while conscious. However, some gas mixtures still cause aversion responses before unconsciousness. Research into truly aversive-free stunning methods remains an important welfare priority.