- Controlled atmosphere killing
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This article is about the method of killing farm animals. For the method of capital punishment, see nitrogen asphyxiation.
Controlled atmosphere killing (CAK) is a method for slaughtering animals such as chickens by placing the animals in a container in which the atmosphere lacks oxygen and consists of one or more of argon, nitrogen or carbon dioxide, causing the animals to lose consciousness. Argon and nitrogen are important components of a gassing process which seem to cause no pain, and for this reason many consider it more humane than other methods of killing.[1][2]
Portable units are available. Controlled atmosphere stunning has been used both within processing plants and on-farm for euthanizing poultry. One portable unit type that costs US$2,500 can be pushed down the aisles of a barn, with 200–250 hens per load being placed inside a CO2 enriched chamber. Hens are unconscious within 20 seconds of being in the chamber.[2]
References
- ^ PETA's Animal Times, UK, Autumn 2005
- ^ a b The Animal Welfare Foundation of Canada article The Disposal of Spent Laying Hens by Jacqueline Wepruk
External links
- The Welfare of Birds at Slaughter — Humane Society of the United States comparison of controlled-atmosphere killing (CAK) to electrical water-bath stunning
- Controlled Atmosphere Killing — People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals
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