LPT 312: Abattoir Practices and Animal Products Technology (1+1)

GAS STUNNING

• Carbon dioxide is the gas used for stunning, mostly commonly in pigs.
• The gas is noninflammable and has a higher specific gravity than air, sinking to the bottom of any container.
• Concentration of 65-70% CO2 in air is the most suitable for preslaughter anaesthesia.
• The period is exposure should be 45 seconds and bleeding should take place with in 30 seconds.
• The current practice is to use 80- 95 % carbon-dioxide in air.
• A concentration of 73-77% CO2 for stunning turkeys and 70% for chicks are in practice.
• The gas blocks the nerve endings and reduces the speed of nerve impulses and thus creating unconsciousness in animals.
• The three forms of apparatus/systems involved are,
  • Oval Tunnel (Combi) System
  • Dip Lift System
  • The Compact Carbon-di-oxide Immobiliser