Tyson asks UA to study method for killing chickens

At the request of customers and as part of the company`s commitment to animal welfare, Tyson has spent the past two years examining and testing the use of Controlled Atmosphere Stunning (CAS). This production method involves the use of a gas mixture to render chickens unconscious before slaughter. According to Tyson Senior Vice President Bill Lovette, Tyson has not found CAS to be more humane than conventional electrical stunning. Lovette added that the process merited continued study, and the company had asked the agricultural science officials at the University of Arkansas to initiate their own CAS study. This research will be coordinated by the newly-created Chair in Food Animal Wellbeing in the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences at the University of Arkansas. The position will be shared by the Departments of Poultry Science and Animal Science. Tyson has committed $1.5 million to help establish the Chair, which will be involved in overseeing research and classes focused on the humane management and treatment of food animals. Tyson conducts internal animal welfare audits in its plants, which are also subject to frequent third party audits. The company also trains workers who handle live animals on proper animal welfare practices. (Copyright 2006 Newsroom Solutions, LLC)