Farm Animals

Farmed Chicken Controlled Atmosphere Stunning

Controlled atmosphere stunning using gas mixtures can eliminate the welfare problems of electrical water bath stunning in poultry slaughter.

Key Facts

Electrical water bath stunning requires shackling live conscious birds upside down
CAS systems render birds unconscious before shackling if properly designed
CO2 at high concentrations is aversive before unconsciousness in some CAS systems
Inert gas mixtures including argon may provide better welfare than CO2 systems

Welfare Considerations

The transition from electrical water bath to CAS stunning represents a significant welfare improvement by eliminating the shackling of conscious birds. However, gas mixture choice matters for welfare, as high-CO2 systems cause aversive respiratory responses before unconsciousness. Inert gas alternatives improve welfare further.

What You Can Do

Support poultry products from CAS-stunning supply chains
Advocate for CAS stunning requirements in poultry welfare legislation
Back research into optimal gas mixtures for humane poultry stunning
Choose certifications that specify stunning method requirements