Farm Animals

Poultry Carbon Dioxide Stunning Welfare

Carbon dioxide (CO2) stunning used in commercial poultry slaughter causes significant aversion before unconsciousness, with welfare improvements possible through alternative gas mixes.

Key Facts

CO2 at slaughter concentrations causes pain and breathlessness before unconsciousness
Birds show strong aversion responses including wing flapping and bill gaping during CO2 exposure
High-concentration CO2 (over 60%) causes faster loss of consciousness but more aversion
Argon and nitrogen mixtures cause aversion but with different character to CO2
Low atmospheric pressure stunning (LAPS) is an alternative with better welfare profile

Welfare Considerations

CO2 stunning causes measurable suffering before unconsciousness in billions of poultry annually. Research and regulatory action on alternative methods is urgently needed.

What You Can Do

Support research into lower-aversion stunning alternatives for commercial poultry
Raise awareness of poultry slaughter welfare in food purchasing discussions
Advocate for regulatory review of CO2 stunning in the context of current welfare evidence
Support certification schemes requiring best available stunning methods