Farm Animal Welfare

Pig CO2 Stunning Alternatives Research

Research into alternatives to CO2 stunning for pigs is accelerating given the recognised welfare concerns with current methods.

Key Facts

Inert gas mixtures using nitrogen or argon cause unconsciousness without the aversive effects of CO2
High-argon mixtures achieve rapid unconsciousness and are being investigated for commercial scale
Captive bolt stunning is an alternative for individual pigs but less suitable for throughput
Research programmes in Sweden, the Netherlands and UK are evaluating alternatives
Industry adoption barriers include capital cost and operational changes to existing systems

Welfare Considerations

CO2 stunning causes documented suffering before unconsciousness in pigs. Alternatives that achieve unconsciousness without aversion are technically feasible. The welfare case for transition is clear and research demonstrating commercial viability should accelerate industry adoption.

What You Can Do

Support research organisations working on CO2 stunning alternatives for pigs
Advocate for regulatory timelines for transition away from high-CO2 pig stunning
Ask pork producers and retailers about their engagement with less aversive stunning research