Pig slaughter welfare is determined by stunning effectiveness, animal handling pre-stun and speed of bleed-out, with significant variation in outcomes between abattoirs.
Pig welfare at slaughter depends on the quality of stunning - both the method used and its consistent application. CO2 stunning, while widely used, causes a period of aversion and distress before insensibility. Alternatives including lower CO2 concentrations with inert gas and low-atmospheric pressure systems are under development. Consistent monitoring and CCTV review are essential quality assurance tools.