Farm Animals

Farmed Pig Innovative CO2 Alternatives: Research Progress

Research into alternatives to CO2 pig stunning is progressing, with low-oxygen and argon-based approaches showing welfare promise.

Key Facts

Low atmospheric oxygen (LAO) concentrations below 2% cause unconsciousness in pigs with less aversion
Argon-CO2 mixtures show reduced escape response compared to pure CO2 in pig studies
Nitrogen-inert gas mixtures are technically viable but have challenges including depth of anaesthesia verification
UK government funded research into CO2 alternatives following welfare concerns raised by experts

Welfare Considerations

CO2 pig stunning causes a 15-30 second period of aversive breathlessness before loss of consciousness. Alternatives that cause unconsciousness without this aversive phase represent a significant welfare improvement. Industry transition requires commercial scale-up and regulatory change.

What You Can Do

Support research programmes investigating CO2 alternatives for pig slaughter
Advocate for investment in commercial development of welfare-superior stunning systems
Choose pork from processors who have committed to CO2 alternative adoption timelines