CO2 - STUNNING OF TURKEYS IN A V-SHAPED TUNNEL

SUMMARY Stunning with carbon dioxide gas (CO2) is recently discussed as an alternative to electrical water bath stunning of turkeys. Investigations were carried out in order to assess some welfare aspects in turkeys when stunned with CO2. The turkeys passed an increasing CO2 atmosphere in a Vshaped tunnel on a commercial slaughter plant under practical conditions. The behaviour of the animals in the tunnel was observed and some clinical reflexes were checked before shackling. First results indicate significant convulsions immediately after entering the CO2 atmosphere and deep unconsciousness without any clinical reflexes when leaving the tunnel.