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Study on the humane stunning of slaughter pigs with a nitrogen-filled, highly expansive foam under aspects of animal welfare and meat quality (Proof of Concept)
Project
Project code: FLI-ITT-08-CE-0051
Contract period: 01.09.2015
- 30.04.2017
Purpose of research: Applied research
According to the Council Regulation (EC) No. 1099/2009 and the German law on the protection of animals during slaughter and killing, animals shall only be slaughtered after stunning so that they do not experience avoidable pain and suffering. Gas stunning with carbon dioxide is one of the most commonly used stunning methods for slaughtering pigs. In recent years, there have been several studies referring to an insufficient depth of anesthesia and to aversive behavior as conscious reactions due to exposure to gas. The present study seeks to examine whether humane stunning of slaughter pigs with highly expansive, nitrogen-filled foam is possible and whether this method can be used as an alternative to gas anesthesia with carbon dioxide. The effectiveness of stunning by applying the foam method (anoxia technology) has only been proven for poultry until now.
Section overview
Subjects
- Animal health
Framework programme
Funding programme
Excutive institution
FLI - Institute for Animal Welfare and Animal Husbandry (FLI - ITT)