Stunning method choice at pig slaughter significantly affects welfare at end of life, with different methods having distinct welfare profiles that require careful assessment.
The final moments of a pig's life are a critical welfare period. CO2 stunning causes visible distress during the 20-30 second induction period as pigs gasp and attempt to escape. Electrical stunning is immediate when applied correctly but requires restraint that causes acute stress. Research into less aversive gas mixtures (helium, argon, N2) and improved electrical systems aims to improve this critical welfare moment.