Slaughter method is among the most welfare-critical decisions in poultry production, and evidence strongly supports controlled atmosphere killing as superior to conventional water bath electrical stunning.
Poultry slaughter welfare has advanced considerably through controlled atmosphere technology, but industry adoption remains incomplete due to higher capital costs compared to water bath systems. The welfare evidence is clear: shackling conscious birds is a significant welfare event, and inadequate stunning in water bath systems causes birds to be killed while conscious. CAK systems using inert gas mixtures eliminate both problems. Consumer demand for higher welfare certified products and corporate commitments are driving faster adoption than regulation alone.