Methods used to stun and slaughter chickens have significant welfare implications for billions of birds annually. Controlled atmosphere stunning represents a significant welfare improvement over conventional electrical water bath stunning.
The welfare implications of slaughter method are enormous given the scale of chicken production. Conventional water bath electrical stunning requires fully conscious birds to be shackled upside down, transported to the stunning bath, and electrically stunned - all while experiencing significant fear. Pre-stun injuries from shackling are common. Controlled Atmosphere Stunning eliminates pre-stun handling stress by rendering birds unconscious in their transport containers before any shackling or physical handling. The welfare improvement is substantial and measurable. Consumer demand for CAS-processed chicken through welfare certification labeling is one of the most direct welfare market interventions available.