Source:  Tom Johnston, MEATINGPLACE.COM, 9/7/10

The American Humane Association has accepted as humane a controlled-atmosphere stunning method called Low Atmospheric Pressure System (LAPs).

The technology was developed by Fort Smith, Ark.-based OK Foods in conjunction witha poultry harvesting company and scientists at Mississippi State University, including former POULTRY editor, Yvonne Vizzier Thaxton. The technology features a euthanasia chamber in which live-haul cages are placed and oxygen volume is reduced to irreversibly stun broilers. Unlike other controlled-atmosphere systems, LAPS does not use gases.

LAPS is “another important milestone in our mission to advance the most humane methods of handling farm animals,” said Tim Amlaw, vice president of AHA’s farm animal welfare program, in a news release.
OK Foods plans to implement LAPS this fall at its Fort Smith, Ark., plant.

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