Developing Group Stunning Solutions
Research and development for controlled atmosphere stunning (CAS) in the pork industry is an important topic, with increasing attention being paid to animal welfare and humane practices.
Temple Grandin states in Meat and Poultry that the short period of minimal distress is worth the gains that a group stunning system provides. “With hogs, you’ve really improved handling. You don’t have to line them up, and you can eliminate electric prods with a CO2 system. A little discomfort during induction is a fair trade-off for better handling.”
CAS method of stunning animals is considered more humane than other methods, such as electrical stunning, which can cause pain and distress to the animal. However, until recently, the technology for CAS has not been widely available for use in the pork industry. Humane Aire has been at the forefront of developing CAS technology for the poultry industry, and is exploring ways to extend this expertise to the pork industry. While there are significant issues relative to size of the animal, there is no reason to believe that the company’s multi-stage, irreversible stunning technology will yield significant benefits in the pork industry. Humane Aire’s approach to CAS is grounded in research and development, with a team of experts dedicated to continually improving the technology. By partnering with farmers and processors in the pork industry, Humane Aire is able to gather feedback and make necessary modifications to its equipment, ensuring that the technology is optimized for use in the field. Ultimately, Humane Aire’s work in developing CAS technology for the pork industry is about improving animal welfare and ensuring that animals are treated with respect and dignity throughout the entire slaughter process. As the company continues to innovate and refine its technology, it is poised to make a significant impact on the pork industry, helping to create a more sustainable and humane future for all.
