Stunning system
Carbon-Dioxide Pig Stunning
Gassing pigs unconscious before bleeding
This photograph shows Gassing pigs unconscious before bleeding.
What it is
Groups of pigs are moved into a gondola that lowers them into a chamber holding a high concentration of carbon dioxide. They are shackled and bled after the descent.
Where it sits in the system
Moving pigs in groups is faster than restraining each one individually for electrical stunning. The system exists to keep high-throughput plants running.
Welfare concern
High-concentration carbon dioxide is strongly aversive. Before unconsciousness arrives the pigs experience breathlessness, vocalise, and try to escape the chamber.
Worth being precise about
Group handling does remove some of the individual restraint an electrical system requires. It does not remove the aversive induction phase, and gas concentration, exposure time, maintenance, and backup procedures vary between plants.
Sources
Appears in these walkthroughs
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Cattle, sheep, pigs