Farm Animals

Poultry Slaughter Welfare: Controlled Atmosphere Systems

Controlled atmosphere stunning and killing (CAS) systems offer welfare advantages over electrical waterbath stunning for poultry at slaughter.

Key Facts

Electrical waterbath stunning does not guarantee unconsciousness before neck cutting
High-concentration CO2 CAS causes distress during induction; low O2 systems may be more humane
High-expansion foam CAS systems show promising welfare outcomes in research settings
A minority of EU poultry slaughter uses CAS; waterbath remains the dominant method

Welfare Considerations

Poultry slaughter welfare is a high-volume, high-impact issue. Transitioning from electrical stunning to more humane CAS systems represents a significant welfare improvement opportunity, but requires capital investment and regulatory incentives.

What You Can Do

Support retailers and brands requiring CAS slaughter in their supply chain commitments
Advocate for CAS slaughter to become the regulatory standard for commercial poultry
Engage with research on the most humane CAS gas mixtures and exposure protocols