Effective stunning before slaughter is critical for pig welfare. Monitoring stunning effectiveness and quality control systems prevent animals from regaining consciousness before death.
Stunning before slaughter is the primary welfare protection for animals at slaughter. Ineffective stunning - particularly with electrical systems calibrated incorrectly - may immobilise but not render pigs insensible, meaning they experience the killing process conscious. Robust quality assurance systems including regular equipment checks, operator training, post-stun assessment and CCTV monitoring are essential to ensure consistent effective stunning across slaughter line operations.