On-farm euthanasia of pigs is a routine necessity but method choice significantly affects the speed and certainty of death, with significant welfare implications for millions of animals annually.
On-farm pig euthanasia represents a welfare challenge that is often invisible to consumers and regulators. Pigs that are injured, sick, or non-ambulatory must be euthanased to prevent prolonged suffering, but the methods used vary enormously in their humaneness. Carbon dioxide euthanasia, while convenient for large operations, causes aversion and distress as the gas irritates respiratory mucosae before inducing unconsciousness. Blunt trauma to the head of piglets, while sometimes permitted, carries significant risk of inadequate application leading to prolonged suffering. Firearm euthanasia, when performed correctly by trained personnel, achieves immediate insensibility but requires skill and equipment. Improving training standards, equipment access, and transitioning away from aversive methods would significantly reduce suffering at the end of life for millions of pigs annually.