Comparing slaughter methods for poultry with focus on controlled atmosphere killing as an evidence-based welfare improvement.
The slaughter of poultry at scale presents significant welfare challenges regardless of method chosen. Conventional water bath stunning is associated with multiple welfare problems during the shackling and pre-stun phases. Controlled atmosphere systems eliminate shackling stress but introduce the challenge of aversive CO2 exposure. Inert gas systems using argon or nitrogen provide the best available welfare outcome but require capital investment that smaller processors cannot easily bear. Regulatory harmonization toward higher welfare standards requires government intervention to level the playing field for producers choosing more humane methods. Consumer demand for higher-welfare poultry creates market incentives that complement regulatory approaches.