Farm Animal Welfare

Pig Welfare and CO2 Stunning Alternatives

Carbon dioxide stunning is widely used in pig slaughter but causes significant distress during induction. Alternatives including low-atmospheric-pressure stunning and nitrogen mixtures are under investigation.

Key Facts

Pigs show pronounced aversion responses to CO2 during the induction phase of stunning
CO2 stimulates pain receptors in the nasal and oral mucosa before unconsciousness
Low atmospheric pressure stunning renders pigs unconscious before respiratory distress
Nitrogen or argon in combination with CO2 can reduce aversion response duration
Consumer and retailer pressure is increasing investment in alternative stunning technology

Welfare Considerations

CO2 stunning causes genuine distress for millions of pigs before slaughter. The welfare case for alternative stunning technology is robust, and investment in transition represents a major welfare opportunity.

What You Can Do

Support retailer and industry commitments to invest in alternative pig stunning technology
Advocate for regulatory change requiring demonstration of minimum aversion in pig stunning
Choose welfare-certified pork from supply chains committed to stunning technology improvement