Stunning

Process description

Before the actual slaughtering process the animals are anaesthetised. This is to save the unnecessary pain to the animals. Common methods include: 

• Captive bolt pistol (targeted shot to the brain)
• Electrical anaesthesia (electric shock, usually with water bath)
• Use of CO₂ (loss of consciousness due to lack of oxygen)

Messer solution

The anaesthesia of pigs is increasingly carried out with the help of CO₂-systems. Cages carrying small groups of animals are transported into a pit containing a CO₂  or a CO₂/argon mixture which causes the animals to lose consciousness. After the stunning process, the pigs are raised out of the pit and slaughtered before further processing takes place.

Advantages:

• Good results in meat quality
• Guaranteed anaesthetic effect