Alternatives to Carbon Dioxide in Two Phases for the Improvement of Broiler Chickens' Welfare during Stunning.

This study evaluated the exposure to gas mixtures of carbon dioxide (CO) associated with nitrogen (N) as alternatives to CO in two phases to improve the welfare of broiler chickens at slaughter. Broilers were exposed to one of three treatments: 40C90C (1st phase: <40% CO for 2 min; 2nd phase: >90% CO and <2% O for 2 min, 92), 40C60N (40% CO, 60% N, and <2% O for 4 min, 79), or 20C80N (20% CO, 80% N, and <2% O for 4 min, 72). Brain activity (EEG) was assessed to determine the onset of loss of consciousness (LOC) and death.

Pre-Slaughter Stunning of Farmed Atlantic Halibut in CO-Saturated Seawater: Assessment of Unconsciousness by Electroencephalography (EEG).

As fish welfare becomes a growing concern, it is important to ensure humane treatment during slaughter. This study aimed to assess the onset of unconsciousness in Atlantic halibut immersed in CO-saturated seawater through electroencephalography (EEG). Of the 29 fish studied, 10 exhibited escape attempts, indicating aversion to CO-saturated water despite its oxygenation.

Perception of animal sentience by Brazilian and French citizens: The case of sheep welfare and sentience.

The study compared the perception of ordinary citizens from Curitiba, Brazil (OB) and Clermont-Ferrand, France (OF), as well as OB, Brazilian veterinarians (VB), biologists (BB) and animal scientists (AB), concerning animal welfare and sentience. An online survey containing 18 open-ended, multiple choices and Likert scale questions was conducted from November 2014 to May 2016. The survey covered questions on demographics, perception of animal welfare, sheep welfare, sentience and animals' emotional capacities.

Perception of Fish Sentience, Welfare and Humane Slaughter by Highly Educated Citizens of Bogotá, Colombia and Curitiba, Brazil.

Discussions on farm animal welfare have become frequent, especially in developed countries. The aim of this research was to study the perception of fish sentience, welfare and slaughter by highly educated citizens from Bogotá, Colombia, and Curitiba, Brazil. An online survey with 12 questions presented as open-ended, multiple choice and 5-point Likert-type scale formats was available to respondents.