We use cookies on our website. Some are necessary for the operation of the website. You can also allow cookies for statistical purposes. You can adjust the data protection settings or agree to all cookies directly.
Study on the humane gas killing of poultry during a disease outbreak (TOGIS)
Project
Project code: 28RZ372071, FLI-ITT-08-MM-01-07
Contract period: 07.09.2016
- 31.08.2019
Budget: 922,090 Euro
Purpose of research: Applied research
In case of an epidemic disease the killing of poultry flocks can be prescribed in order to reduce disease transmission. Therefore, carbon dioxide is used. The animals show aversive reactions with increasing concentrations of carbon dioxide. The gas influx plays an important role: With a slow gas influx, the animals remain longer conscious but they are already unconscious when high concentrations of carbon dioxide (with aversive effects) are achieved. Therefore, different gas influxes are examined methodically in the present studies in order to evaluate their effects on the animal (especially the time to loss of consciousness).
As part of the project, the technical basics for an experimental gas stunning and killing plant using the gases argon, nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide were developed. Due to the use of carbon monoxide, health and safety requirements make high demands on the operation of the plant. Their implementation, especially in the planning of the necessary technical safety-related interconnections, has led to a high outlay. With this plant, commonly used gas killing procedures for poultry can be evaluated on an experimental basis with methods of physiological and ethological investigation of animal welfare parameters that are only applicable in laboratory. The continuation of the work on the development of humane killing methods for poultry takes place in the project TOGIS, that is supported by funds of the German Government`s Special Purpose Fund held at Landwirtschaftliche Rentenbank.
Section overview
Subjects
- Agricultural Technology Animal Production
- Animal health
Framework programme
Funding programme
Excutive institution
FLI - Institute for Animal Welfare and Animal Husbandry (FLI - ITT)