Methods and systems for prestunning and / or stunning animals

Abstract

A method for reducing an animal's response when exposed to a pre-stunning relief gas and / or stunning gas during a pre-stunning and / or stunning process, the method comprising exposing at least one animal to a pre-stunning relief gas and / or stunning gas for an exposure period, and exposing the at least one animal to at least one scent additive during at least a portion of the exposure period, particularly an initial portion of the exposure period.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to Prior to the culling of any non-human animal, For stunning gases in the pre-stunning and / or stunning process the above The present invention relates to a method for reducing animal reactions. In particular, the method is for use during pre-stunning and / or stunning of livestock in slaughterhouses. [Background technology]

[0002] Animal welfare is nowadays highly respected, e.g. in slaughterhouses. The purpose of stunning an animal is to prevent it from perceiving pain, e.g. before slaughter. The stunning procedure should ensure that the animal does not regain consciousness before, during or after slaughter and that each animal remains unconscious and insensible until it is killed.

[0003] When animals are stunning with gas, they undergo a process of loss of consciousness and anesthesia that can be described as a series of stages, beginning with an analgesia stage, followed by an excitation stage, an anesthesia stage, and finally collapse.

[0004] A frequently used stunning method to stun pigs involves exposure to CO2. In pigs stunned with CO2, the following is observed: in the analgesic stage the pig remains upright, in the excited stage the pig lies down, in the anesthetized stage the pig shows a corneal reflex, in the deep anesthetized stage the corneal reflex disappears, and in the collapse stage the pig shows no reflex at all.

[0005] During the stunning phase(s) described above, the animal typically undergoes the following physical processes: conscious movement, dizziness / uncertain movement, lying off balance, agitation (unconsciousness), reduced and absent rhythmic breathing (thorax), loss of ciliary reflex (eyelash reflex), loss of corneal reflex, superficial gasping (diaphragm), and death.

[0006] In prior art systems and methods for stunning animals, such as pigs, at slaughterhouses prior to slaughter, severe reactions can be observed in many animals during the initial part of the stunning process, which can occur when the pigs are first exposed to, for example, CO, leading to agitation and stress behavior.

[0007] Despite previous efforts, there remains a need to reduce the stress levels of animals such as pigs. In particular, it is desirable to further improve the welfare of animals with regard to the stunning procedure. Furthermore, animal reactions can cause bruising and reduce meat quality. Against this background, and despite the short duration of reactions observed in the early stages of the stunning process, it is desirable to reduce these reactions as much as possible. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Generally, at least some embodiments of the methods and systems disclosed herein seek to mitigate or eliminate one or more of the above-mentioned and / or other disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] In one aspect, disclosed herein is a method for producing a medicament for the treatment of a pulmonary arthritis, comprising: Prior to the culling of any non-human animal, When exposed to pre-stunning relaxation gas and / or stunning gas during the pre-stunning and / or stunning process the above 1. An embodiment of a method for reducing a response in an animal, comprising: The above method is - exposing at least one animal to a pre-stunning gas and / or a stunning gas for an exposure period; - exposing said at least one animal to at least one odor additive during at least a portion of said exposure period, in particular during an initial portion of said exposure period. Including fruit, In the method following the above euthanasia, The above odor additives are one or more pheromones, Chemical analogues of pheromones, Natural odors that are perceived as aromas by said animals, and Chemical analogues of natural odors that are perceived as aromas by the animals mentioned above is selected from the group .

[0010] The embodiments of the methods described herein reduce or even prevent the severe reactions that might otherwise be observed in the early stages of the stunning process of animals such as pigs. The animals show a very low level of reaction or even no arousal when exposed to the pre-stunning relief gas and / or stunning gas in the presence of the scent additive. This improves animal welfare and reduces the risk of poor meat quality. Thus, the presence of the scent additive masks the pre-stunning relief gas and / or stunning gas in the sense that the presence of the scent additive has been found to significantly reduce the sensation of excitement by the animals.

[0011] The present disclosure is directed to different aspects, including methods, corresponding apparatus, systems, methods, and / or articles of manufacture described above and below, each of which provides one or more benefits and advantages as described in conjunction with one or more other aspects, and each of which has one or more embodiments corresponding to the embodiments described in conjunction with one or more other aspects and / or disclosed in the appended claims.

[0012] In particular, according to one aspect: To carry out the method An embodiment of a system for pre-stunning and / or stunning an animal includes: - an enclosure configured to enclose at least one animal to be pre-stunned and / or stunned; - means for supplying pre-stun mitigation gas and / or stun gas to the interior of said enclosure; - means for supplying at least one odor additive to said enclosure; and Equipped with. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic of the stunning and / or pre-stunning process of one embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a stunning process (including a pre-stunning process) of one embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system for stunning an animal, according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] At least some embodiments of the methods disclosed herein reduce animal reactions during stunning gas stunning processes, particularly those that may be carried out in slaughterhouses.

[0015] The inventors have realized that if an animal is exposed to an odor additive during at least a portion of the exposure to the stunning gas, particularly during the initial portion of the exposure to the stunning gas, the reaction of the animal during the stunning process can be significantly reduced. During the stunning process, at least one animal is exposed to a stunning gas during a stunning exposure period. The at least one animal is exposed to at least one odor additive during at least a portion of the stunning exposure period, particularly during the initial portion of the stunning exposure period.

[0016] The presence of the scent additive is believed to mask the perception of exposure to the stunning gas. The inventors have discovered that when animals are exposed to the scent additive in addition to exposure to the stunning gas, the animals' response to the stunning gas is significantly reduced. The inventors have observed that when the scent additive is administered in addition to the stunning gas, severe reactions, as well as panic or aversion reactions, are avoided.

[0017] In some embodiments, the stunning process is preceded by a pre-stunning process. In the pre-stunning process, the at least one animal to be stunned is exposed to a pre-stunning relief gas, in particular a pre-stunning relief gas mixture. The exposure to the pre-stunning relief gas can last for a pre-stunning relief exposure period. The inventors have realized that if the animal is exposed to an odor additive during at least a portion of the exposure to the pre-stunning relief gas, in particular during the initial portion of the exposure to the pre-stunning relief gas, the reaction of the animal during the pre-stunning process and / or the subsequent stunning process can be reduced. During the pre-stunning process, the at least one animal is exposed to a pre-stunning relief gas for a pre-stunning relief exposure period, and the at least one animal is exposed to at least one odor additive during at least a portion of the pre-stunning relief exposure period, in particular during the initial portion of the pre-stunning relief exposure period.

[0018] In some embodiments, the at least one animal to be stunned may be exposed to the scent additive during at least a portion of the exposure to the preliminary stun relief gas and during at least a portion of the exposure to the stun gas. In particular, the exposure of the at least one animal to the scent additive may begin before or during the exposure of the at least one animal to the preliminary stun relief gas, and may be continued or repeated during the subsequent exposure of the at least one animal to the stun gas. The scent additive used during the preliminary stun may be the same scent additive used during the subsequent stun process, or may be a different scent additive.

[0019] Alternatively, the at least one animal to be stunned may be exposed to the scent additive either only during at least a portion of its exposure to the pre-stun relief gas or only during at least a portion of its exposure to the stun gas.

[0020] The at least one animal may be a livestock animal. The at least one animal may be an animal to be slaughtered. The at least one animal may be an animal selected from the group consisting of pigs, cows, lambs, goats, and poultry.

[0021] In particular, some embodiments of the methods disclosed herein are particularly useful when stunning animals that exhibit relatively high awareness and / or sensitivity to their environment, especially changes in their environment, such as pigs. When CO2 is used to stunning pigs, negative reactions may be observed when the CO2 concentration is 10-20% or higher. Pigs have been observed to move backwards or back when exposed to such CO2 concentrations. Exposure to CO2, especially to the high concentrations of CO2 typically used during stunning, can stress pigs and cause strong visible agitation, especially unconscious movements. Strong agitation can also lead to reduced meat quality, especially in the form of small bruises in hams. Even odorless gases, such as argon, can cause reactions when pigs are exposed to such "smell free" gases. Also, pigs become more excited during the later stages of the stunning process, which leads to stronger excited movements (unconsciousness) and, as a result, reduced meat quality in the form of small bruises. There is a delay between exposure to CO2 and the onset of excitation, for example about 20-30 seconds, during which a robust response to the gas is seen.

[0022] In this specification, gas concentration percentages shall be understood as volume % unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0023] The at least one animal may be a single animal or a plurality of animals, particularly animals of the same type, e.g., of the same species. Thus, embodiments of the methods disclosed herein may be used to stun a plurality of animals simultaneously. Each animal of the plurality of animals may be selected from the group consisting of pigs, cows, lambs, goats, and poultry. The plurality of animals may include at least two animals, e.g., three animals, e.g., four animals, e.g., seven or eight animals, e.g., fifteen animals. For relatively large animals, e.g., cows, it may be typical to stun one animal at a time.

[0024] Exposing the at least one animal to the stunning gas may include exposing the animal to a stunning gas mixture, which may include one or more stunning gases, such as CO2 and one or more other gases.

[0025] The stunning gas mixture desirably contains a major amount of a stunning gas having an anesthetic effect. In addition to the stunning gas, the stunning gas mixture may contain one or more gases normally present in atmospheric air, such as, for example, nitrogen, argon, oxygen, and combinations thereof. The stunning gas mixture may further contain minor amounts of other gases, such as, for example, those normally present in minor amounts in atmospheric air.

[0026] The stunning gas may be or at least comprise CO2. In particular, the stunning gas mixture may comprise CO2 at a concentration of at least 30%, such as at least 40%, such as at least 50%, such as at least 70%, such as at least 80%. It will be understood that the concentration of CO2 depends on the type of animal to be stunned. The balance may be other gases normally present in atmospheric air. The balance may comprise a major amount of a physiologically inert gas, such as nitrogen or argon. The balance may comprise a small amount of oxygen and / or other gas(es) normally present in small amounts in atmospheric air. The other gas(es) may have relative concentrations relative to each other that correspond to or differ from their relative concentrations in atmospheric air.

[0027] Other examples of stunning gases include nitrogen and argon or mixtures thereof, or mixtures of nitrogen and / or argon and CO. In some embodiments, exposing the at least one animal to the stunning gas comprises exposure to a physiologically effective concentration of the stunning gas, in particular a concentration having an anesthetic effect.

[0028] In some embodiments, during the stunning process, the concentration of the stunning gas is increased from a start level to a maximum level. In particular, the increase may occur during an initial stage of the stunning process. In some embodiments, the increase occurs over a relatively short period of time, such as less than 60 seconds, such as less than 30 seconds, such as less than 15 seconds. The start level may correspond to a normal concentration of the stunning gas in ambient air. For example, if CO2 is used as a stunning gas, the start level may be less than 10%, such as less than 5%, such as less than 1%. The maximum level may be more than 50%, such as more than 60%, such as more than 70%, such as more than 80%.

[0029] The increase may be achieved by supplying the stun gas into a stun enclosure, such as a stun chamber, inside which the at least one animal is placed during stun. For example, during stun, the at least one animal may be placed in an enclosure into which CO2 at a concentration of at least 90%, such as at least 95%, for example about 99%, is supplied until the CO2 concentration in the enclosure reaches a concentration of more than 70%, preferably more than 80%. Alternatively or additionally, the increase in the concentration of the stun gas to which the at least one animal is exposed may be achieved by moving the animal from an area of ​​low stun gas concentration into a stun enclosure (such as a stun chamber) having a high stun gas concentration, such as an enclosure pre-filled with stun gas.

[0030] The odor additive may be a component that has no pharmacological activity. In particular, the odor additive may be a component that has no anesthetic and / or analgesic activity. Thus, the odor additive is provided in addition to a component of the stun gas that has a pharmacological activity, in particular in addition to a component of the stun gas that has an anesthetic and / or analgesic activity. The odor additive may be selected to mask the odor or conceal the perception of the stun gas, for example to mask the odor or other sensations evoked by the stun gas. Thus, the odor additive causes the animal to better accept the presence of the stun gas. In particular, in at least some embodiments, the odor additive is a component whose only effect on the animal is to mask the odor of the stun gas or otherwise conceal the perception of the presence of the stun gas. For example, while CO2 may be perceived as having a pungent odor, the odor additive does not itself have any pharmacological effect, but masks the odor of CO2 and provides improved tolerance to the presence of high concentrations of CO2 by the animal.

[0031] The odor additive may be a liquid, a paste, a gas or a solid, for example, comprising one or more volatile compounds, particularly volatile aroma compounds, perceivable by the one or more animals. The odor additive may comprise one or more odorants perceivable by the olfactory system of the at least one animal. In general, the odor additive may be selected such that its odor, when perceived by the olfactory system of the at least one animal, is pleasing or otherwise has a calming effect on the animal. It will be understood that the choice of the odor additive depends on the species of the animal to be stunned.

[0032] The scent additive may include one or more pheromones or chemical analogues of one or more pheromones. For example, when stunning pigs, examples of pheromones for use as scent additives include the "Maternal appeasing pheromone" or "Pig appeasing pheromone" (PAP), or synthetic analogs thereof, as described, for example, in H. Barthelemy et al.: "The Pig Appeasing Pheromone: How chemical communication improve the welfare of pigs", Research Institute in Semiochemistry and Applied Ethology (IRSEA), Le Chene, Quartier Salignan 84400 APT - FRANCE, or in US6077867.

[0033] Alternatively or additionally, the odor additive may comprise one or more odorants which produce an odor or aroma that is perceived by the at least one animal as a pleasant smell, such as, for example, a fruity odor, in particular a sweet and fruity odor, preferably a natural fruit odor. In particular, odor additives having a fruity odor, in particular a sweet fruit odor, such as an apple odor, in particular a sweet apple odor, or a mango, peach or similar fruit odor, have been found to reduce strong reactions during stunning of pigs.

[0034] In some embodiments, the odor additive comprises one or more plant extracts, such as juice or other liquid plant extracts, such as fruit juices, particularly concentrated fruit juices, or other types of fruit extracts. The plant extracts, such as fruit extracts, desirably comprise one or more volatile aroma compounds that are perceptible as the odor of the plant or fruit, preferably the natural odor of the plant or fruit.

[0035] Natural plant extracts, especially natural fruit extracts such as fruit juice, are commercially available and can be easily produced using known traditional processes, including, for example, squeezing and / or fermentation and / or other suitable processes.Therefore, odor additives based on natural plant extracts are inexpensive.They are also easy to handle and non-toxic.

[0036] In some embodiments, the odor additive comprises one or more chemical analogs of volatile aroma compounds perceivable as botanical or fruity odors, and / or other suitable synthetic odorants.

[0037] In some embodiments, the fruity odor is selected from the group consisting of apple odor, pear odor, mango odor, grape odor, orange odor, mandarin odor, papaya odor, and peach odor.

[0038] The scent additive may be distributed inside the enclosure used for stunning or pre-stunning. The scent additive may be administered, for example, in the form of a gas or in the form of droplets, for example as a mist of droplets, in particular in a mist form. For example, the scent additive may be a concentrated, atomized fruit juice in liquid form and / or one or more pheromones in liquid or solid form, for example in the form of a paste.

[0039] Fruit odors, particularly apple odor, have been found to effectively mask the exposure to CO2 so that many animals, particularly many pigs, are unaware of the exposure, i.e., during the early stages of the stunning process (e.g. before lying down), so that the animals are unaware of the treatment.

[0040] Preferably, the at least one animal should be exposed to an amount or concentration of the scent additive that is perceptible by the animal and sufficient to have a sedative effect and / or to mask the presence of the stunning gas and / or pre-stunning gas. It will be understood that the appropriate amount of the scent additive depends on the size of the enclosure in which the animals undergo the stunning and / or pre-stunning process, how many animals are simultaneously stunned or treated in the pre-stunning process, the type of animals, and the type of scent additive. The appropriate amount of the scent additive can be determined by simple testing. As an example, it has been found that between 1 g and 10 g of concentrated apple juice is sufficient to reduce the animal's reaction during a CO2 stunning process of pigs. However, depending on, for example, the size of the treatment enclosure, the effectiveness of the distribution of the scent additive, and / or the type of scent additive, lesser or greater amounts may be used. In some embodiments, the concentration of the odor additive, e.g., concentrated fruit juice (e.g., apple juice), in the treatment enclosure is 5 mg / m 3 and 5000 mg / m 3 between 50 mg / m 3 and 1000 mg / m 3 between 50 mg / m 3 and 500 mg / m3 The amount or concentration of the odor additive to which the at least one animal is exposed may be substantially constant throughout the majority of the exposure, or the amount or concentration may vary throughout the exposure.

[0041] As will be explained in more detail below, the at least one animal may be exposed to the stun gas and / or the pre-stun relief gas in a treatment enclosure, in particular in a stun enclosure and / or a pre-stun enclosure. The scent additive may be administered in the treatment enclosure so that the scent additive can be perceived by the at least one animal when the at least one animal is inside the treatment enclosure. For this purpose, the scent additive may be administered in the treatment enclosure by a suitable administration device. In particular, the scent additive may be distributed throughout the treatment enclosure or at least over the part of the treatment enclosure where the at least one animal is exposed to the pre-stun relief gas and / or the stun gas.

[0042] The scent additive in liquid form may be sprayed into the atmosphere inside the treatment enclosure and / or sprayed on suitable surfaces inside the treatment enclosure. The scent additive may be sprayed as a mist or as other droplets, particularly in atomized form. Alternatively, the scent additive may be administered in a different manner, for example by providing a scent container containing a scent administration material, such as a liquid, a paste or a solid material. The administration device may include a gas inlet and a gas outlet, and may be configured to draw a host gas into the air inlet, pass the scent administration material through, for example, a porous or perforated material, and administer the host gas containing the scent additive into the treatment enclosure through the gas outlet. The host gas may be the pre-stunning relief gas and / or the stun gas, or a gas component of the pre-stunning relief gas and / or the stun gas. Alternatively, the host gas may be the atmosphere gas inside the treatment enclosure (including the stun gas and / or the pre-stun relief gas). It will also be appreciated that other dispensing devices may be used to administer the scent additive to the treatment enclosure.

[0043] The scent additive may be administered into the treatment enclosure together with the stun gas and / or the pre-stun relief gas. For this purpose, the scent additive may be added, for example, to the stun gas and / or the pre-stun relief gas or to the gas components of the pre-stun gas prior to administering the mixture into the treatment enclosure. In particular, the scent additive may be mixed with the stun gas and / or the pre-stun relief gas or to the gas components thereof. Then, a mixture of the scent additive and the stun gas and / or the pre-stun relief gas or the gas components of the pre-stun gas may be administered into the treatment enclosure. Alternatively or in addition, the scent additive may be administered into the treatment enclosure separately from the stun gas and / or the pre-stun relief gas and separately from any gas components of the pre-stun gas and / or the stun gas. Even if administered separately, the scent additive may be administered into the treatment enclosure simultaneously with and / or prior to the stun gas and / or the pre-stun relief gas, or simultaneously with and / or prior to the gas components of the pre-stun gas and / or the stun gas. For this purpose, the scent additive may be administered through one or more outlet openings, such as nozzles, perforated material, porous material, etc., separate from the outlets for discharging the stun gas and / or pre-stun relief gas or for discharging the gas components of the pre-stun relief gas and / or stun gas. The scent additive may be administered by a misting or atomizer device.

[0044] When the at least one animal is stunned by exposure to the stun gas, the at least one animal is exposed to the stun gas for a stun exposure period. The length of the stun exposure period may depend on the type of animal, the type of the stun gas, and the concentration of the stun gas. For example, when CO2 stun is used with a CO2 concentration of at least 80% to stun pigs for slaughter, the pigs may be exposed to CO2 for a stun exposure period of 60 seconds or more, such as 90 seconds or more, such as 120 seconds or more. Similarly, when the at least one animal is exposed to a pre-stun relief gas during a pre-stun process, the at least one animal is exposed to the pre-stun relief gas for a pre-stun relief exposure period. The stun exposure period and the pre-stun relief exposure period do not need to have the same length. In this specification, they are also referred to as "exposure periods" for simplicity.

[0045] The at least one animal is exposed to the scent additive during at least a portion, particularly an initial portion, of the exposure period during which the at least one animal is exposed to the pre-stunning relief gas and / or the stun gas. In some embodiments, the scent additive exposure is initiated before the at least one animal is exposed to the pre-stunning relief gas and / or the stun gas, or before the at least one animal is exposed to the pre-stunning relief gas and / or the stun gas at least at the target concentration, particularly the maximum concentration, of the pre-stunning relief gas and / or the stun gas. For example, in some embodiments, the scent additive exposure is initiated before the concentration of the pre-stunning relief gas and / or the stun gas to which the at least one animal is exposed reaches a trigger threshold, for example 10% or less.

[0046] In some embodiments, exposing the at least one animal to at least one scent additive is started before starting exposing the at least one animal to the pre-stunning relief gas and / or stun gas. To this end, administering the scent additive into the treatment enclosure can be started prior to administering the pre-stunning relief gas and / or stun gas into the treatment enclosure or prior to administering the gas component of the pre-stunning relief gas and / or stun gas into the treatment enclosure. Alternatively, for example, in an embodiment where the at least one animal enters a treatment enclosure filled with pre-stunning relief gas and / or stun gas, the scent additive can be administered at the entrance area of ​​the treatment enclosure, where there is no or low exposure to the pre-stunning relief gas and / or stun gas, for example, the concentration of the pre-stunning relief gas and / or stun gas is low. If the at least one animal is transported into the treatment enclosure by a conveyor device, such as an elevator, the conveyor device may include an administration device for administering the scent additive, whereby the at least one animal, when placed on the conveyor device, is exposed to the scent additive prior to the conveyor device moving into the treatment enclosure. In some embodiments, the scent additive may also be administered along the path from a holding area to the treatment enclosure, or even in the holding area.

[0047] In some embodiments, exposure to the scent additive is initiated or continued while the at least one animal is exposed to the pre-stunning relief gas and / or stun gas. Thus, the scent additive may be administered into the treatment enclosure simultaneously with administration of the pre-stunning relief gas and / or stun gas, or simultaneously with administration of the gas component of the pre-stunning relief gas and / or stun gas. Alternatively, the scent additive may be administered into a pre-filled treatment enclosure prior to or simultaneously with the entry of the at least one animal into the treatment enclosure. Regardless of whether exposure to the scent additive is initiated prior to or simultaneously with exposure to the pre-stunning relief gas and / or stun gas, the scent additive may be administered continuously or intermittently during at least a portion of the exposure period during which the at least one animal is exposed to the pre-stunning relief gas and / or stun gas, e.g., to maintain a sufficiently high concentration of scent additive throughout at least a portion of the exposure period.

[0048] In some embodiments, the scent additive is administered throughout the exposure period to ensure that the at least one animal is exposed to a sufficiently high concentration of the scent additive throughout the exposure to the pre-stunning relief gas and / or stun gas. This may also be applied to embodiments using a continuous operation, for example, where animals are continuously advanced to a processing chamber. Alternatively, administration of the scent additive may be terminated before the exposure to the pre-stunning relief gas and / or stun gas is terminated.

[0049] The duration of exposure to the scent additive may depend on the type of scent additive, the type of the pre-stunning relief gas and / or the stun gas, and the type of animal. For example, when stunning an animal, the at least one animal to be stunned may be exposed to the scent additive until the at least one animal reaches an unconscious state and / or lies down. This duration may depend on the type and concentration of the stun gas, and the type of animal. For example, when stunning pigs with a CO2 concentration of at least 80%, most pigs lie down after about 30 seconds of exposure to CO2. Thus, exposure to the scent additive may be terminated after at least 30 seconds, such as at least 60 seconds. It will be understood that exposure to the scent additive, and in particular administration of the scent additive, may be terminated earlier. In some embodiments, administration of the scent additive may be terminated 5 seconds after the start of exposure to the pre-stun relief gas and / or stun gas, for example 10 seconds, 20 seconds, 30 seconds, 60 seconds, etc. after the start of exposure to the pre-stun relief gas and / or stun gas. For example, the longer the scent additive is perceived by the animal after administration, and the sooner the concentration of the scent additive remains high enough to mask the perception of the pre-stun relief gas and / or stun gas, the sooner administration of the scent additive may be terminated. Typically, in some embodiments, the at least one animal is exposed to the scent additive and the pre-stun relief gas and / or stun gas simultaneously for at least 5 seconds, for example at least 10 seconds, at least 20 seconds, at least 30 seconds, at least 60 seconds.

[0050] When stunning an animal, it is desirable that the at least one animal to be stunned is exposed to the scent additive from the start of the stunning process until it lies down, since this is the time when the animal is most likely to react when exposed to a stunning gas such as CO2. Therefore, the scent additive may be administered together with or in addition to the pre-stunning relief gas and / or pre-stunning gas. Thus, when stunning an animal, the scent additive may be administered repeatedly or continuously during at least the initial stage of the stunning process, for example, until the animal lies down or loses consciousness. The administration of the scent additive may be terminated once the animal to be stunned lies down.

[0051] In some embodiments, the administration of the scent additive may be combined with the administration of the pre-stunning relief gas and / or stunning gas at a relatively low administration rate, i.e. at a relatively low flow rate of the administered gas. In particular, the introduction of gas may be performed at a low flow rate, greater than 0 m / s and less than 4 m / s. This may be achieved, for example, by using a cotton pipe, which may distribute the incoming gas at a low flow rate over a large area, thereby allowing more pigs to be exposed substantially simultaneously.

[0052] FIG. 1 is a flow chart illustrating one example of a method for stunning and / or pre-stunning an animal.

[0053] In step S11, at least one animal is exposed to a stun gas, such as CO2, and / or a pre-stun gas. At the same time, the at least one animal is exposed to at least one scent additive, such as apple scent or other types of fruit scent. To achieve this goal, the at least one animal may be moved into a treatment enclosure, such as a treatment chamber, pre-filled with a sufficiently high concentration of stun gas and / or pre-stun relief gas. A scent additive may be administered inside the treatment enclosure prior to or simultaneously with the at least one animal entering the treatment enclosure. Alternatively, the at least one animal may be moved into the treatment enclosure while the treatment enclosure is filled with atmospheric air. Once the at least one animal is placed inside the treatment enclosure, a stun gas and / or pre-stun relief gas (or a gas component of the stun gas and / or pre-stun relief gas) is administered into the treatment enclosure and a scent additive is also administered into the treatment enclosure. The administration of the scent additive may be initiated prior to or simultaneously with the administration of the stun gas and / or pre-stun relief gas (or simultaneously with the administration of the gas component of the stun gas and / or pre-stun relief gas). Additionally, the administration of the scent additive may be initiated before the animal enters the treatment enclosure.

[0054] In step S12, administration of the scent additive is continued or repeated during the initial exposure period while the at least one animal remains exposed to the stun gas and / or pre-stun relief gas. For example, in some embodiments, administration of the scent additive may be repeated or continued when the at least one animal is exposed to the stun gas until the at least one animal reaches an unconscious state.

[0055] In step S13, exposure to the stun gas and / or the pre-stun relief gas is continued for an additional exposure period, during which, optionally, administration of the scent additive may be continued or repeated.

[0056] In step S14, the at least one animal is removed from the processing enclosure. However, it will be appreciated that pre-stunning and stunning may be performed in the same processing enclosure, in which case the at least one animal may be removed from the processing enclosure after both processes are completed.

[0057] As mentioned above, the stunning process may be preceded by a pre-stunning process, in particular a pre-stunning relief process, in which the at least one animal to be stunned is exposed to a pre-stunning relief gas.

[0058] In some embodiments, pre-stunning relief may be performed by exposing the at least one animal to a pre-stunning relief gas, e.g. a gas mixture containing O2 at a concentration of less than 10%. The aforementioned O2 concentration may be above a minimum level of oxygen concentration, higher than the concentration that causes anesthesia for the animal. The minimum level of oxygen concentration in the gas mixture may vary depending on the animal species and may be 3-10%. Preferably, the oxygen concentration is less than 10% and is 4% or more, such as 5% or more, e.g. 6% or more. In particular, for pigs, the minimum level of oxygen concentration in the pre-stunning relief gas mixture is preferably around 6% to ensure that the animal's stress level is reduced and that it is not anesthetized.

[0059] The pre-stunning mitigation gas mixture may contain one or more other gases that are normally present in atmospheric air, such as, for example, nitrogen, argon, carbon dioxide, and combinations thereof. The pre-stunning mitigation gas mixture may further contain small amounts of other gases that are normally present in small amounts in atmospheric air, such as, for example, nitrogen and / or argon and / or xenon. By physiologically inert gas, it is meant a gas that is physiologically inert with respect to the animal being treated.

[0060] In some embodiments, the pre-stunning mitigation gas does not contain CO2, or at least contains only an amount of CO2 that does not increase the stress level of the treated animal. In some embodiments, the concentration of carbon dioxide in the pre-stunning mitigation gas mixture is less than 5%, preferably less than 1%, such as less than 0.5%, such as less than 0.1%. This maximum concentration of carbon dioxide in the gas mixture may be higher for cattle, for example less than 21%, such as less than 15%, such as less than 10%.

[0061] In some embodiments, during the pre-stunning process, the oxygen level is reduced, in particular gradually reduced, from a maximum level, e.g. the normal atmospheric oxygen concentration, to a minimum level which may be higher than the concentration which induces anesthesia in the animal, hi one embodiment the maximum level of oxygen is 17-25%, preferably 19-23%, preferably around 21%.

[0062] During the pre-stunning process, the concentration of the at least one physiologically inert gas may be increased from a minimum level to a maximum level.

[0063] In one embodiment, the minimum concentration of the at least one physiologically inert gas is between 75 and 83%, preferably between 77 and 81%, preferably about 79%. In one embodiment, the maximum concentration of the at least one physiologically inert gas is between 90 and 97%, preferably between 92 and 96%, preferably about 94%.

[0064] The increased concentration of the physiologically inert gas and the decreased concentration of oxygen are achieved by administering the physiologically inert gas into a pre-relaxation enclosure in which the pre-stunning process is carried out.

[0065] In one embodiment, the initial exposed gas mixture is atmospheric air.

[0066] In one embodiment, the at least one physiologically inert gas comprises N2 gas and / or Ar.

[0067] In one embodiment, the gas mixture includes CO2, the concentration of which ranges from 0.1% to a maximum concentration level that is less than the concentration level that induces anesthesia in the animal. This maximum CO2 concentration level in the pre-stunning mitigation gas may be less than 21%.

[0068] In some embodiments, the at least one animal is exposed to an odor additive prior to and / or simultaneously with the exposure to the pre-stunning mitigation gas. For example, the odor additive may be administered inside a pre-stunning mitigation enclosure, such as a chamber or room, such as a sealed chamber or room, particularly an airtight chamber or room, in which the at least one animal to be treated is placed. The odor additive may be administered by spraying a liquid odor additive inside the pre-stunning mitigation enclosure. Exposure to an atmosphere with a reduced O2 concentration (compared to normal atmospheric air) and to the odor additive provides a relaxing effect to the animal.

[0069] In one embodiment, the at least one pre-stunning mitigation enclosure may be a room where animals live or a room or chamber where animals wait for further processing. The at least one chamber may be a transport enclosure on a transport conveyor system for transporting animals to the stun chamber. The at least one chamber may also be a chamber located in front of the stun equipment or a part of the stun equipment. In the chamber for reducing the stress level of the at least one animal, the pre-stunning mitigation gas mixture may be supplied to the chamber surrounding the at least one animal. The minimum level of oxygen and the maximum level of the at least one inert gas may also be maintained in the chamber during the pre-stun mitigation exposure period.

[0070] In another embodiment, at least one pre-stunning mitigation enclosure extends from a first location where the animals are received to a second location where the at least one subsequent process, in particular the stunning process, is performed. The exposure to the pre-stunning mitigation gas is performed while the at least one animal moves from the first location to the second location. The first location is a location where the concentration of oxygen is maximum and the concentration of the at least one inert gas is minimum, and the second location is a location where the concentration of oxygen is minimum and the concentration of the at least one inert gas is maximum. As an example, the first location may be a holding area location where animals are placed, for example in groups, into the at least one chamber, where a suitable mechanism may prompt or automatically move the animals to move towards the second location, so that when the second location is reached, the pre-stunning mitigation level is at a maximum. As an example, the second location may have a stunning device. That is, upon reaching the second location, the animal may be transported into the stunning enclosure.

[0071] In another embodiment, the step of exposing the animal to the gas mixture is while the animal is stationary.

[0072] FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method for stunning an animal, the process including a pre-stunning process.

[0073] In step S21, at least one animal is exposed to a pre-stunning relief gas and to at least one scent additive, such as, for example, an apple scent or another type of fruit scent. For this purpose, the at least one animal may be moved into a pre-stunning relief enclosure, such as, for example, a pre-stunning relief chamber. Once the at least one animal is placed in the pre-stunning relief enclosure, the animal is exposed to the pre-stunning relief gas, for example, by increasing the concentration of a physiologically inert gas and decreasing the concentration of oxygen inside the pre-stunning relief enclosure. For this purpose, the pre-stunning relief enclosure may be sealed so that ambient atmospheric air does not enter the pre-stunning relief enclosure. The at least one animal is also exposed to the scent additive, for example, by administering the scent additive into the pre-stunning relief enclosure. Administration of the scent additive may begin prior to or simultaneously with exposure to the pre-stun mitigation gas, and may even begin prior to the animal entering the pre-stun mitigation enclosure.

[0074] In step S22, the stunning process is started, for example as described with reference to Fig. 1. For this purpose, the at least one animal may be moved from the preliminary stunning mitigation enclosure into another stunning enclosure. Alternatively, the stunning process may be carried out in the same enclosure, for example by administering a stunning gas into the preliminary stunning mitigation enclosure now filled with a preliminary stunning mitigation gas mixture. The administration of the scent additive may be repeated or continued, at least for the initial period of the stunning process, for example as described with reference to Fig. 1.

[0075] In some embodiments, the pre-stunning process, in particular the exposure to the pre-stunning gas, is terminated prior to the start of the stunning process, in particular the exposure of the at least one animal to the stunning gas. Alternatively, the pre-stunning process and the stunning process may overlap. Thus, in some embodiments, the pre-stunning process, in particular the exposure to the pre-stunning gas, may continue after the stunning process is initiated, during an initial part or throughout the entire exposure of the at least one animal to the stunning gas.

[0076] Generally, an embodiment of a system for pre-stunning and / or stunning an animal comprises: - an enclosure configured to enclose at least one animal to be pre-stunned and / or stunned; - means for supplying pre-stun mitigation gas and / or stun gas to the interior of said enclosure; - means for supplying at least one odor additive to said enclosure; and Equipped with.

[0077] The enclosure, which is also called the treatment enclosure, may be a chamber or other type of enclosure. The at least one animal may move into the treatment enclosure itself or may be transported into the treatment enclosure by a suitable conveyor device, such as, for example, an elevator. The treatment enclosure may be in particular hermetically sealed during the stunning and / or pre-stunning process. Alternatively, the treatment enclosure may be partially open. For example, if the stunning gas and / or pre-stunning relief gas has a higher specific gravity than air, the treatment enclosure may be an upwardly open container or pit. The upwardly open container may be filled with an effective concentration of stunning gas and / or pre-stunning gas into which the at least one animal is lowered, for example, by an elevator or other type of conveyor device.

[0078] In some embodiments, the stunning gas and / or pre-stunning relief gas is administered in a duct, e.g., U-shaped or straight. The duct may be open at one or both ends for the animals to enter and exit. The duct may have a concave portion, particularly a concave central portion. A high concentration of stunning gas and / or pre-stunning relief gas, e.g., a concentration of stunning gas that induces anesthesia and / or even collapse, may be maintained in the central portion of the duct, thereby resulting in effective anesthesia and / or pre-stunning relief in the central portion. Animals are driven from the containment pen, e.g., through a passage made of a large diameter pipe or smooth metal, onto a conveyor device that moves the animals through the duct. The animals may be separated on the conveyor device, e.g., by a mechanical impeller synchronized with the conveyor device, or the animals may be otherwise prevented from crowding.

[0079] The means for supplying at least one scent additive to the treatment enclosure may comprise one or more nozzles for dispensing the scent additive, or other suitable devices for dispensing the scent additive. The scent additive may be sprayed or otherwise dispensed in an amount or concentration controlled by suitable control means. In some embodiments, the system comprises a control unit and / or other control means for controlling the supply of at least one scent additive and / or at least one host gas. The host gas may be the pre-stun relief gas and / or the stun gas, or a gas component of the stun gas and / or the pre-stun relief gas. In some embodiments, the control unit is for controlling the supply of the host gas mixed with the scent additive. The control means may comprise an adjustable valve, an adjustable nozzle, an adjustable pump or ventilator, or another device for controlling the amount of scent additive dispensed.

[0080] The means for supplying the pre-stun gas and / or stun gas to the interior of the enclosure may comprise one or more nozzles or other openings for administering the pre-stun relief gas and / or stun gas into the enclosure or for administering one or more gas components of the pre-stun relief gas and / or stun gas into the enclosure. The means for supplying the pre-stun gas and / or stun gas to the interior of the enclosure may be separate from or at least partially combined with the means for supplying at least one odour additive to the enclosure.

[0081] In some embodiments, the means for supplying the at least one scent additive to the enclosure and the means for supplying the pre-stun relief gas and / or the stun gas to the interior of the enclosure comprise one or more nozzles or other openings for administering a mixture of the scent additive and a host gas. The host gas may be the pre-stun relief gas and / or the stun gas or a gas component of the stun gas and / or the pre-stun gas. Thus, the means for supplying the at least one scent additive to the enclosure may include a mixer for mixing the scent additive with the host gas prior to administering the host gas into the enclosure.

[0082] Alternatively or additionally, the means for supplying at least one scent additive to the enclosure may be separate from the means for supplying the pre-stun relief gas and / or stun gas inside the enclosure. For example, the pre-stun relief gas and / or stun gas, or gas components thereof, may be supplied into the enclosure through a first set of conduits and / or openings. The scent additive may be supplied to the enclosure through a second set of conduits and / or openings, separate from the first set of conduits and / or openings, or other dosing mechanism. Thus, in such an embodiment, the scent additive and the pre-stun relief gas and / or stun gas are mixed inside the enclosure.

[0083] Figure 3 shows a schematic of an example of a system for stunning and / or pre-stunning an animal, in particular for reducing the response of an animal to a stunning gas and / or a pre-stunning relief gas.

[0084] The system of FIG. 3 comprises a processing enclosure 100 configured to enclose one animal to be stunned or processed in a pre-stunning process, a means 200 for supplying at least one scent additive to said enclosure, and a means 300 for supplying a pre-stunning mitigation gas and / or a stun gas inside said enclosure.

[0085] The means for supplying at least one scent additive to the enclosure may include a reservoir 210 for storing a scent additive and a dosing device 220 for dosing the scent additive inside the treatment enclosure 100. The reservoir 210 may be configured to hold a supply of scent additive, for example a liquid scent additive. The reservoir may be a container, for example a pressurized container. The dosing device 220 may include one or more nozzles 221 or other openings, one or more conduits 222 for fluidly connecting the one or more nozzles or other openings with the reservoir 210, and a controller 223 for controlling the dosing operation. The controller 223 may include, for example, a valve or other suitable device for controlling the flow of scent additive from the reservoir to the one or more nozzles. In embodiments where the reservoir 210 is not pressurized, the dosing device may include a pump or other fluid movement device for moving the scent additive into the stun chamber.

[0086] Similarly, the means 300 for supplying a pre-stunning relief gas and / or a stun gas inside the enclosure may include a reservoir 310 and a dosing device 320. The reservoir 310 is configured to store the stun gas and / or pre-stunning relief gas and / or one or more gas components of the pre-stunning relief gas and / or the stun gas. The dosing device 320 is configured to dosing the stun gas and / or pre-stunning relief gas inside the processing enclosure 100 or to dosing one or more gas components of the pre-stunning relief gas and / or the stun gas inside the processing enclosure 100. The reservoir 310 may include one or more pressurized containers. The dosing device 320 may include one or more nozzles 321 or other openings, one or more conduits 322 for fluidly connecting the one or more nozzles or other openings with the reservoir 310, and a control device 323 for controlling the dosing operation. The controller 323 may include, for example, a valve or other suitable device for controlling the flow of the stun gas and / or pre-stun relief gas, or one or more gas components thereof, from the reservoir to the one or more nozzles or other openings.

[0087] It will be understood that other means for supplying at least one scent additive to the enclosure may be used. For example, in some embodiments, the host gas may be directed through or past a reservoir that holds a supply of scent additive, thereby allowing the volatile compounds of the scent additive to mix with the host gas. The host gas containing the scent additive is then administered into the enclosure. Furthermore, alternatively or in addition, other types of mixing of the scent additive with the stun gas and / or pre-stun gas or gas components thereof may be used. For example, by injecting a quantity of scent additive into the host gas stream prior to administering the host gas mixed with the scent additive to the treatment enclosure. The host gas may be the pre-stun relief gas and / or the stun gas, or a gas component of the pre-stun relief gas and / or the stun gas.

[0088] While embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and the foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered as illustrative or representative and not restrictive. The invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Claims

1. A method for reducing the response of a non-human animal to exposure to a pre-stunning mitigation gas and / or stunning gas during a pre-stunning and / or stunning process prior to culling said animal, comprising: The above method is - exposing at least one animal to a pre-stunning relief gas and / or a stunning gas for an exposure period; - exposing said at least one animal to at least one odor additive during at least a part of said exposure period, in particular during the initial part of said exposure period; Including, In the method following the above euthanasia, The above odor additives are One or more pheromones, Chemical analogues of pheromones, Natural odors that are perceived as aromas by said animals, and Chemical analogues of natural odors that are perceived as aromas by the animals mentioned above The method according to claim 1, wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of:

2. 10. The method of claim 1 , The above odor additives are one or more pheromones, and Chemical analogues of pheromones, The method of claim 1, wherein the IL-1 protein is selected from the group consisting of:

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, The natural odor perceived as an aroma by the animal is a fruity odor, in particular a sweet and fruity odor. A method comprising:

4. 4. The method of claim 3, The fruity smell is selected from the group consisting of apple smell, pear smell, mango smell, grape smell, orange smell, mandarin smell, papaya smell, and peach smell. A method comprising:

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The stun gas is CO ２ , or a major amount of CO ２ A gas mixture comprising: A method comprising:

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The preliminary stunning mitigation gas is less than 10% O ２ a pre-stun mitigation gas mixture comprising a concentration of A method comprising:

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The step of exposing the at least one animal to at least one scent additive is initiated prior to exposing the at least one animal to the pre-stun relief gas and / or stun gas. A method comprising:

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The at least one animal is exposed to the scent additive and the pre-stun relief gas and / or stun gas simultaneously for at least 5 seconds, at least 10 seconds, at least 20 seconds, at least 30 seconds, or at least 60 seconds. A method comprising:

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, The at least one animal is exposed to the at least one odor additive at least until the animal reaches an unconscious state. A method comprising:

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The at least one animal is a group of animals including at least 2 animals, 3 animals, 4 animals, 7 or 8 animals, or 15 animals. A method comprising:

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, The at least one animal is exposed to a mixture comprising the stun gas and the scent additive and / or the pre-stun relief gas and the scent additive. A method comprising:

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, Exposing the at least one animal to the scent additive comprises distributing the scent additive within a treatment enclosure, particularly as a gas, droplets or mist; A method comprising:

13. 13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, the odor additive has no pharmacological effect and only masks the perception of the stun gas by the at least one animal, in particular masking the odor of the stun gas; A method comprising:

14. A system for pre-stunning and / or stunning said animal to carry out the method according to claim 1, comprising: The above system is an enclosure configured to surround at least one animal to be pre-stunned and / or stunned; - means for supplying pre-stunning relief gas and / or stun gas to the interior of said enclosure; - means for supplying said enclosure with at least one odor additive; A system equipped with

15. 15. The system of claim 14, The means for supplying at least one scent additive to the enclosure is one or more nozzles, atomizers, or spray devices for administering the scent additive. A system characterized by:

16. 16. The system according to claim 14 or 15, the means for supplying the pre-stunning and / or stunning gas to the interior of the enclosure is one or more nozzles, atomizers or spray devices for administering the pre-stunning and / or stunning gas or at least one gas component of the pre-stunning and / or stunning gas, A system characterized by:

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