Source:  Rita Jane Gabbett, MEATINGPLACE.COM, 12/23/10

A coalition of animal protection organizations has sent letters to more than 30 of the nation's largest chicken suppliers urging them not to consider the new slaughter method Low Atmospheric Pressure System (LAPS), which the groups call Low Atmosphere Pressure Killing.  

The groups support use of Controlled-Atmospheric Stunning instead and complain that the behavioral reactions of the chickens are not adequately described in recent LAPS research.

The groups also questions the assertion in research led by Yvonne Thaxton, professor emeritus, Mississippi State University, that gas trapped in birds' abdomens is unlikely. They also asserted insufficient data regarding EEG and EKG results in birds while undergoing this method, as well as regarding birds' aversion to the decompression process.

The letter calls for further testing to determine the point at which birds become unconscious and whether or not the process causes anxiety, distress, or pain.

Thaxton response
"While I appreciate caution in approving new procedures, I am confident that when the most recent data is published there will be no doubt that LAPS is humane,” Thaxton told Meatingplace. “The birds display no reaction to the process until loss of posture which is commonly used to indicate insensibility.  Every unit is equipped with continuously running video cameras so that the process can be viewed.”

Thaxton also said she recently completed work with scientific experts in analyzing EEG and EKG response of chickens during the LAPS procedure. Videos of the process are also being used to analyze the behavioral response of the birds.

“Analysis of the data will take time, but as soon as possible, a report will be released.  In addition, we will continue to investigate other methods of verifying the humane status of the process. I have no doubt that the data will be convincing," said Thaxton.

USDA has reviewed the research and the process and allows its use.
Among the companies that will receive a letter from the animal welfare groups are Perdue Farms, Pilgrim's Pride, and Tyson Foods.

Groups signing the letter include: People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, Animal Welfare Institute, Compassion in World Farming, World Society for the Protection of Animals, The Humane Society of the United States, Farm Forward, Vancouver Humane Society and Mercy For Animals.

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