Humane slaughter techniques for pigs

Publication date: 12/03/2018
Extent: 14 pages

Contributions by: Susanne Støier, Leif Lykke and Lars O. Blaabjerg, Danish Meat Research Institute – Danish Technological Institute, Denmark

Chapter synopsis: For pigs, the day of slaughter includes a variety of potentially stressful elements, and this leads to animal welfare concerns. This chapter reviews how recent research can be applied in the development of new technologies and procedures to ensure a high level of welfare for pigs, while also increasing production efficiency, product quality and operator working conditions. Areas addressed include electrical and CO2 stunning methods, correct sticking procedure, group-based handling and the surveillance and documentation of animal welfare levels on the day of slaughter.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2016.0013.27