Humane slaughtering with a portable twist

Anglia Autoflow of the UK created what it claims is the world's first mobile nitrogen-based CAS (controlled atmosphere stunning) system. The Easyload mobile CAS unit is already in use at a number of processing plants throughout the world, the company claims.

The humane slaughter of diseased poultry flocks has for many years been an unwanted problem by the industry. With the recent outbreaks of disease across mainland Europe, the problem has again been extremely well highlighted to industry experts.

The Anglia Autoflow mobile CAS system overcomes a number of welfare issues as well as the risk of spreading disease across farms, according to the company. After the birds are caught using industry standard modules and drawers, there is no further human contact. Unlike current slaughter methods, Anglia Autoflow claims that its system has already been accredited as a humane way of slaughtering diseased flocks. Operating at 5000 birds per hour at a 2kg weight, it is anticipated that the system will quickly replace current practices.

Currently, other gas systems use carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, which can lead to welfare, operating and environmental concerns.

Commenting on the mobile system, Barry Landymore, sales director for Anglia Autoflow, said: "Slaughtering diseased flocks has previously had many associated concerns. We're confident that the mobile CAS system addresses those concerns and becomes a valuable tool for the industry in doing a job that has never been easy."​

Patents for the Easyload CAS system have already been granted and the mobile unit is currently being introduced to a number of interested parties.