Gas stunning reduces rejects in spent hen processing

摘要

The commercial egg industry should consider making use of controlled atmosphere stunning for spent hens. This will not only decrease the number of rejects, but will also improve hen welfare. Slaughtering spent hens is not as easy as slaughtering broilers. The birds are more active and more frequently display broken legs, wings and/or damages caused by poor stunning. Bruce Webster, Extension Poultry Scientist at the University of Georgia in Athens, GA, USA, has seen several cases and has noted his view on the issue in their monthly newsletter called "Poultry Tips". He advises processing companies to consider controlled atmosphere stunning instead of electrical methods.