New slaughter technologies including low-atmospheric pressure stunning and controlled atmosphere systems offer improved welfare outcomes for pigs before slaughter.
Conventional CO2 stunning in pigs is aversive, with animals showing clear signs of distress during the induction phase. Newer technologies including low-atmospheric pressure and non-CO2 gas systems can achieve unconsciousness without the same aversive experience. Transitioning slaughter systems to less aversive methods represents a significant welfare improvement that is technically and economically feasible.