Swine Euthanasia

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On-Farm Euthanasiaof Swine Recommendations

or the Producer



4

It is inevitable that on every swine

arm, situations that require pigs

to be euthanized will arise. These

situations include, but are not

limited to, illness and injuries.

Since it is usually not possible or

practical or the veterinarian to be

available or timely euthanasia o

pigs on-arm, producers and their

employees oten need to perorm

humane euthanasia o pigs.



Te term “euthanasia” is derived romthe Greek terms “eu” meaning good and“thanatos” meaning death. Euthanasia

is the humane process whereby the pig

is rendered insensible, with minimal

pain and distress, until death. For theeuthanasia process or method to beconsidered humane, it must be quick,eective and reliable. Key elementsor determining i a method is humaneinclude:• minimal pain and distress to the pig

during administration

• rapid loss o consciousness,

• death is achieved quickly and

consistently.

Tis brochure provides practicalrecommendations or the on-armeuthanasia o swine. It also highlightseuthanasia methods that have beenshown to meet the denition or humaneeuthanasia based on the availablescientic literature. However, this

list may not be all inclusive and otheroptions may be used as long as they meet the denition and key elementsor euthanasia discussed above. Alleuthanasia techniques should bediscussed with a veterinarian beorebeing implemented.

When a pig becomes ill, injured, orotherwise disadvantaged, the initialdecision or action may includetreatment or euthanasia. In some cases,euthanasia may be the best option or

the well-being o the pig. It is importantthat the decision to euthanize is madein a timely manner so as to minimizethe pig’s pain or distress. For example,timely or immediate euthanasia isrecommended or:• Pigs that show inadequate

improvement or that have minimal

prospect or improvement ater two

days o intensive care,

• Severely injured or non-ambulatory

pigs with the inability to recover,

• Any pig that is immobilized and with a

body condition score o 1.

Tis brochure is designed to aidproducers in making appropriatedecisions regarding euthanasia o swine. Te Pork Checko and the

American Association o SwineVeterinarians recommend that pork producers and their employees readthis brochure, discuss the options withtheir veterinarian and ll out the actionplan at the end o this brochure. Allswine caretakers should be aware o the action plan and be trained on theeuthanasia methods selected or the pigs

in their care. Te action plan shouldbe reviewed as part o new employeetraining and annually with a veterinarianand all employees.



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Table 1: Methods o Euthanasia Appropriate or Pigs o Dierent Sizes (weights)

Suckling pig Nursery pig Grower - Finisher pig Mature pig,

(up to 12 lbs) (up to 70 lbs) (up to market weight) sow or boar

Carbon dioxide Yes Yes Yes, but Yes

(CO2) not practical† not practical†

Gunshot No Yes Yes Yes

Penetrating No Yes Yes Yes

captive bolt

Non-penetrating Yes with captive bolt Yes secondary step No

Electrocution, Only or pigs Yes Yes Yes

head-to-heart over 10 lbs

Electrocution, Only or pigs Yes, with Yes, with Yes, with

head-only over 10 lbs secondary step secondary step secondary step

Veterinarianadministered

anesthetic overdose Yes Yes Yes

Blunt trauma Yes No No

†This method is an acceptable orm o euthanasia or this size o pig but may not be practical or individual pigeuthanasia on-arm due to lack o equipment suitable or this size.

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The Process o EuthanasiaEuthanasia o swine may be a one- or two-step process. A one-step process rendersthe pig permanently insensible and results in death. A two-step process temporarily renders the pig insensible, but requires a secondary step to achieve its death. Tesecond step is typically achieved by exsanguination or pithing (see page 14). It isimportant to understand the dierence between the two processes.

It is important to remember that certain methods or euthanasia are more appropriate

than others or pigs o certain sizes or weights. Table 1 lists various methods o

euthanasia in pigs and the size o pigs they are most appropriate or.

Considerations or EuthanasiaWhen euthanasia is the most appropriate option or a pig, consider the ollowing toselect the suitable method:

• Humansafety: Te method must not put producers or their employees atunnecessary risk.

• Pigwelfare: Any method should minimize pain or distress o the pig duringadministration.

• Practicality/technicalskillrequirements: Te method should be easily learned and repeatable with the same expected outcome. Te skill requirednoted in able 2 assumes the caretaker has been adequately trained to use themethod.

• Caretakercompliance: Producers and their employees must be comortablewith, and willing to perorm, the chosen method when needed. Lack o compliance compromises the well-being o the pig.

• Aesthetics(degreeofunpleasantnessfortheobserverandoperator): Te method should not be objectionable to the person administering theprocedure. Public perception o the method and its application also may be aconsideration.

• Limitations: Some methods are only suitable or certain sizes o pigs orunder certain circumstances. Te availability o equipment in good workingorder and carcass disposal options also can be limiting actors or choosing amethod.

able 2 lists euthanasia methods and special considerations or each one.



85

Table 2: Considerations or Specifc Euthanasia Methods or Swine

Risk to Skill Aesthetics Limitations

Human Saety Required

Carbon dioxide Moderate Moderate to Bloodless, some Currently only

(CO2) low, based on excitatory movement practical or

equipment or vocalization small pigs

design possible in pigs

Gunshot High Moderate Discharge o Security o

to high blood rom frearms; legal

wound restrictions

Penetrating Moderate Moderate Discharge o May be a

captive bolt blood rom two-step process

wound depending on

equipment design;

maintenance

o equipment

Non-penetrating Low Low Minimal to no May be a

captive bolt blood discharge two-step

as a one-step process based

process on size o pig

Electrocution – Low i proper Moderate Muscle Adequate

head-to-heart lock out/tag contraction amperage needed;

and head-only out procedure commercial hog

ollowed stunner

recommended;

head only is a

two-step process

Veterinarian Low High, No blood Applicable agents

administered veterinary discharge, available only toanesthetic administration limited pig licensed veterinarian;

overdose only movements carcass disposal

Blunt trauma Low Moderate Some blood Only applicable

discharge; to small pigs

objectionable or

some



Details for Each of the Recommended Methods

Gradual lling o the container is done by placing the pigs into the container and llingthe container with carbon dioxide at an

eective ow rate. For eective euthanasia,pigs require a constant exposure o 80-90percent carbon dioxide concentration, or atleast 5 minutes. Te time needed to achieveeective concentration is a unction o theow rate and container volume. Consultwith your veterinarian or other trainedproessional to discuss these variables.

Compressed carbon dioxide gas in cylinders

is the recommended source o carbondioxide. Other sources o carbon dioxide,such as dry ice, re extinguishers, orchemical reactions, are unacceptable. Aregulator is required to control the release o gas rom the cylinder. Unregulated release orexcessive ow rates o carbon dioxide havethe potential to reeze the pigs and result inexcessive use o carbon dioxide. Te use o a ow meter is recommended to monitorthe gas exchange rate in the chamber. When

unmonitored, an inadequate exchange ratecan result in lack o death or can resultin the pig suocating beore it becomesanesthetized or loses sensibility. Whenproper equipment is used and gas is usedcorrectly, carbon dioxide results in loss o consciousness ollowed by respiratory arrestand death.

Euthanasia o swine by carbon dioxide

inhalation is sae or arm personnel whohave been trained, have access to the properequipment, use the gas properly, and carry itout in a well-ventilated area. Carbon dioxideis non-ammable and non-explosive.

1. Carbon dioxide (CO2)

Carbon dioxide (CO2) replaces oxygen in the

body and causes rapid onset o anesthesiawith subsequent death due to respiratory

arrest. Although unconscious, pigs may experience involuntary vocalizations andmovements when carbon dioxide is usedcorrectly.

Euthanasia by carbon dioxide inhalation isrelatively inexpensive but requires specialequipment to work eectively. An enclosed,airtight container that is large enough orthe size o pigs being euthanized is required.Te container must be equipped with inletand outlet valves. Because carbon dioxideis heavier than air, the container’s outlet valve should be located at the top. Tis way,the container can be completely lled withcarbon dioxide while the air displaced isallowed to escape. Euthanasia by carbon dioxide inhalation canbe completed by pre-charging or graduallling o the container. Pre-charging is done

by lling the container with carbon dioxidebeore the pigs are placed in it. Additionalcarbon dioxide must be added to maintaineective concentrations within the containeraer the pigs have been placed in it. Tecontainer should be positioned in a way thatreduces disturbance o the gas when thecontainer is open or the pigs are placed intothe container.



107 Details for Each of the Recommended Methods

2. Gunshot

A gunshot to the head is an eectivemethod o euthanasia o swine because i done correctly, the impact caused by thepenetrating bullet causes concussion anddamage to vital areas o the brain o thepig. When choosing the type o gun andammunition, consider the ollowing:

• The age and size o pig to be

euthanized

• Presenceandsafetyofonlookers,

person delivering the shot and other

pigs

• Accessibilitytotheheadofthepig(as

shown in Figure 1)

• Damagetosurroundingequipment

and acilities

• Riskofbulletpassthroughand

ricochet

• Legalrestrictionsand/orfarmpolicies

on having a gun on site

Tere are several options in guns andammunition available that can be used to

eectively euthanize a pig. Remember, the

type o gun and load need to be large enougso the method is eective with the rst shotAmmunition choice also is important and imust have adequate energy to concuss andpenetrate the skull with the rst shot.

One option is a shotgun which is suitable oshort range shooting. When used properlythis weapon can be saer than others due toits reduced potential or ricochet. A 12, 16,

or 20 gauge shotgun can be used or grow/nish pigs and mature sows and boars. A 2or 410 gauge shotgun is only recommendedor nursery pigs. Shotgun ammunitionis available in the orm o shot and slugs.Slug ammunition is recommended becauseo its ability or consistent and eectivepenetration o the skull.

Figure 1. Gunshot

When using the gunshot method to euthanize pigs, the ideal target is hal

o an inch above eye level, on the mid-line o the orehead and aiming to-

ward the tail o the pig as indicated by “A”. An alternative target is behind

the ear as indicated by “B”. The bullet should enter the skull rom behind

the ear aiming toward the opposite eye.

A.

B.



Another option is a rim-re rie orhandgun. Tese types o guns are suitableat a close range. Te gun and ammunition

combination must have the muzzle energy to enable the bullet to pass through thethickness o the skull, especially or largeadult pigs. A minimum muzzle energy o 300 oot pounds ( lbs) is recommended orgrow/nish pigs and mature sows and boarsbecause o the thickness o their skulls.

When using a 0.22 caliber gun withappropriate ammunition on mature sowsand boars, a shot delivered behind the ear

is recommended because the skull is lessdense at this location. Bulleted ammunitionshould be round nosed and solid to ensurepenetration o the skull. Te common typeo ammunition known as a “wadcutter”is designed or target shooting and is notsuitable or euthanasia. Fragmenting bulletsalso are commercially available but are only recommended or use in nursery and grow/nish pigs.

Te third option is a purpose-made, single-shot gun called a humane killer. Tisweapon is currently available as a .32 caliber.Tis gun has a chamered muzzle and ventedbarrel so that the muzzle end o the barrelcan be held in ull contact with the head o the pig. o ensure eectiveness and humansaety, only purpose-made cartridges shouldbe utilized in a humane killer.

When using a rie, handgun or shotgun,the muzzle should be held 2 to 10 inchesrom the pig’s skull. Te ideal target orgunshot is hal o an inch above eye level,on the mid-line o the orehead and aimingtoward the tail o the pig. An alternativetarget or gunshot is behind the ear. Whenshooting this way, the bullet should enterthe skull rom behind the ear aiming towardthe opposite eye. Tis method can presenta risk to onlookers or other pigs as this shothas the potential to pass through the pig’shead. Figure 1 shows both target locations.Shooting in the heart or the neck is not

suitable or humane euthanasia.

When euthanizing a pig by gunshot, extracare must be taken to ensure human saety.Te size o the gun and ammunition shouldbe matched to the size o the pig to ensurethe eectiveness o the technique with oneshot and or human saety. Te user o theweapon should be trained in rearm saety and understand the potential or ricochet.

Ideally, the pig should be outdoors, on soilwhere the danger o a bullet ricochetingis reduced. Pigs that are non-ambulatory should be euthanized where they lie or behumanely transported to a sae location.Restraint may be necessary and onlookersor assistants should always stand behind theperson delivering the shot.



12Details for Each of the Recommended Methods

Penetrating bolt– Te penetrating captivbolt gun has a sharp-rimmed, concave boltthat extends and penetrates the skull to cauconcussive and physical damage to the skuland brain upon impact. Correct positionino the captive bolt gun is critical or successTe placement should be directed at themidline o the orehead, a hal o an inch

above eye level (even with the eyebrows).Te penetrating captive bolt should beplaced very rmly against the skull, aimedat the brain and directed toward the tail asshown in Figure 3.

Immediately ollowing an eective shot, thepig will exhibit tonic (muscle contraction)and clonic (muscle relaxation) movements.In tonic activity, the body becomes extreme

tense ollowed by gradual relaxation.Tis stage is typically ollowed by clonicmotion, or involuntary kicking or paddlingmovements, or a minute or two. Pigs that dnot initially demonstrate tonic activity andimmediately show paddling or kicking aercollapse, have been ineectively stunnedand the procedure should be immediately administered again. As with all methods itis important to conrm that the pig has beeeuthanized eectively by checking its vital

signs (see section on Confrming Insensibilitand Death on page 14).

Tere are two types o captive bolt guns available, those with a non-penetrating bolt andthose with a penetrating bolt. For both types, the pig to be euthanized must be appropriately restrained to ensure the captive bolt can be properly and saely administered.

3. Captive Bolt

Non-penetrating bolt – Te non-penetrating captive bolt gun typically hasa mushroom shaped or at-head and bluntbolt that, when applied to the oreheado the pig, causes concussion and severetrauma o the brain without breaking theskin. Te advantage to this method is thatthere is little to no blood loss because the

skin is le intact. Non-penetrating captivebolts can be used as a single-step methodin suckling pigs, but requires a secondary-step such as exsanguination (see section onSecondary Steps on page 14), to ensure deathin larger pigs. Tis is because as the pig ages,the thickness o its skull increases and thecaptive bolt will only stun and not euthanizethe animal due to insufcient impact onthe brain. Te captive bolt gun should be

placed rmly against the ront o the headas shown in Figure 2. Regular cleaning andmaintenance o the gun is important toensure its good working order.

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Figure 2. Non-Penetrating Captive Bolt

The non-penetrating captive bolt gun should be placed frmly

against the ront o the head in the area shown.



Figure 3. Penetrating Captive BoltThe penetrating captive bolt gun should be placed

the midline o the orehead, a hal o an inch above

eye level as shown in “A”. As the pig ages, the

sinus cavity becomes larger and the skull become

thicker as shown in “B” and “C”. It is important to

select the bolt length and cartridge combination

appropriate to the age and size o pig that is being

euthanized to ensure that the bolt is long enough t

penetrate the pig’s skull.

Penetrating captive bolts can either stun orkill the pig depending on the design o thegun and the size o the pig. Only captive

bolt guns designed or on-arm euthanasiashould be used. Other products may only stun the pig and may require a secondary step, such as exsanguination or pithing, toachieve death, especially i administered tomature sows and boars with thick skulls. Itis important to select the bolt length andcartridge combination appropriate to theage and size o pig that is being euthanizedto ensure that the bolt is long enoughto penetrate the pig’s skull. I the pig

demonstrates any degree o sensibility, thetechnique should be repeated immediately and a secondary step must be used. Te variation in skull shape among breedsmay make the determination o the targetdifcult.

It is extremely important or the bolt gun tobe cleaned and maintained regularly. Overtime, carbon build up can slow the velocity

o the bolt or cause the gun to malunction.Tereore, proper and routine maintenanceis critical to the unction and longevity o theequipment.

Brain Sinus

B.* 220 lb Pig

Brain Sinus

C.* 440 lb Sow

A.

* Adapted from photos by C. Mason, SHP Swine Health Services



14Details for Each of the Recommended Methods

4. Electrocution

Electrocution induces death by insensibility o the brain ollowed by cardiac brillationand cerebral anoxia (no oxygen to the

brain). Te ow o electricity (the current)should be at least 0.5 amps or piglets over10 pounds and nursery pigs up to 6 weekso age and at least 1.3 amps or pigs 6 weekso age and older.1 Te orce behind theow o the electric current is reerred to asthe voltage and is recommended to be atleast 110 volts or piglets over 10 poundsand nursery pigs up to 6 weeks o age and240 volts or pigs 6 weeks o age and older.

Using electricity in small piglets less than10 pounds is not recommended because thedesign o the electrodes may complicate theapplication across the piglet’s small head andbody. Te resistance around the skin can beless than that across the body causing thecurrent to ow on the skin surace ratherthan through the body.

Te current’s amperage can be increasedby increasing the voltage or decreasing the

resistance. Resistance can be aected by the length and gauge o wire delivering thecurrent to the pig, electrode contact with theskin, cleanliness o the electrodes, wetnesso the skin, presence o hair, thickness o skin and at layers, and the thickness o theskull. Te requency o the current deliveredshould be approximately 60 hertz (U.S.standard) o alternating current (AC). Usingan ammeter to measure amperage can be

helpul to ensure adequate current ow isbeing delivered to the pig.

1

Numbers taken rom OIE guidelines

When properly applied, electrical stunninginduces instantaneous unconsciousness.Pigs eectively stunned with electricity

exhibit tonic and clonic movements. In tonactivity, the body becomes extremely tenseollowed by gradual relaxation. Tis stageis typically ollowed by clonic motion, orinvoluntary kicking or paddling movementsor a minute or two. Te tonic activity should occur within a second o delivery o the electric current. I the method iseectively administered, electrocution willrender the brain insensible and initiate

cardiac brillation and death.

Tere are two methods that can be used oreuthanasia by electrocution: head-only andhead-to-heart. Tese are described in detaion the ollowing page. Regardless o themethod chosen, the current must rst movethrough the brain to cause insensibility (i an invisible line were drawn between theelectrodes it must cross the brain). Methodwhere the current is directed only to the

heart are not acceptable.

Te biggest disadvantage o this method o euthanasia is the hazard to human saety i proper lock out/tag out procedures are notin place. For both pig well-being and humasaety reasons these apparatuses shouldcontain an isolation transormer whichimproves electrical saety and providessufcient amperage to instantly induce

unconsciousness.

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Head-only electrocution– Head-only application o electrical current only stunsthe pig by passing current through the brainand does not cause cardiac brillation. Tismethod must be ollowed by a secondary

step, such as head-to-heart electrocution,across the chest electrocution, orexsanguination within 15 seconds o initialstunning o the animal.

The electrodes should be placed on the

head o the pig in one o these three

positions so that they span the brain:• between the eyes and base o the ears on

either side o the head,

• below the base o the ears on either sideo the head, or

• diagonally, below one ear to above the

opposite eye.

Tese positions allow the current to passthrough the brain and eectively stun thepig. Te electrodes must be kept in constantcontact with the pig to prevent interruptiono the current ow which can lead to anineective stun. Te current should be

applied to the head or a minimum o 3seconds.

Head-to-heart electrocution– Head-to-heart electrocution stuns and kills the pigby passing current simultaneously throughthe brain and the heart. Te ront electrodemust be placed on the head, level with or

in ront o the brain and the rear electrodemust be placed on the body behind theheart on opposite sides so that the currenttravels diagonally through the body asshown in Figure 4. When applying the rontelectrode to the ear, the base o the ear is therecommended location. Te current shouldbe applied or a minimum o 15 seconds.

Figure 4. Head-to-Heart ElectrocutionProper electrode placement or head-to-heart electrocution as indicated by the dots allows or current to pass

simultaneously through the brain and heart.



16Details of Recommended Methods

5. Veterinarian administered

anesthetic overdose

Euthanasia solutions (i.e. barbiturates) are used to depress the central nervous system, causingdeep anesthesia progressing to respiratory and cardiac arrest. Tis method o euthanasia doesrequire intravenous injection into the pig. Federal drug regulations require these controlledsubstance drugs to be bought, stored, and used under supervision o an individual, such as alicensed veterinarian who is registered with the U.S. Drug Enorcement Administration (DEAI this method o euthanasia is used, special considerations must be taken when disposing o tcarcass in order to prevent incidental exposure o scavenging animals to chemical residues inthe carcass.

6. Blunt orce trauma

Euthanasia by blunt trauma is only

eective or suckling piglets because

their skull bones are thin enough or the

orce to cause depression o the central

nervous system and brain damage. Blunttrauma is a quick, rm blow to the top o thehead over the brain as shown in Figure 5. It

is essential that the blow be administeredaccurately and with resolve to ensureeuthanasia and not just stunning. Loss o consciousness is rapid when the method isperormed properly. Te pig will usually show tonic and clonic movements. In tonicactivity, the body becomes extremely tenseollowed by gradual relaxation. Tis stageis typically ollowed by clonic motion, orinvoluntary kicking or paddling movements,or a minute or two.

Tis method may be aesthetically objectionable to people administering orobserving the method. Recognizing theconcerns with the appearance o bluntorce trauma applied to piglets as a methodo euthanasia, the National Pork Boardand the American Association o SwineVeterinarians support additional research onmethods o neonatal euthanasia.

Figure 5. Blunt Force Trauma

Blunt orce trauma is a quick, frmblow to the top o the head over the

brain. It is essential that that the blow

be administered accurately and with

resolve to ensure euthanasia and not just

stunning.

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Secondary stepIn some cases, a secondary step is needed to ensure the pig is euthanized. Somemethods described in this brochure (such as head-only electrocution, non-penetratingcaptive bolt or nursery and grow/nish pigs, penetrating captive bolt or maturesows and boars) will only stun the pig and a secondary step must be perormed oreuthanizing it. With any method o euthanasia, a secondary step or a backup methodo euthanasia should be used immediately i the pig shows any o the vital signs used toconrm death (see section on Confrming Insensibility and Death on page 15). Tesesecondary steps are only or use aer the pig has been stunned and is unconscious andmust not be used as a primary method o euthanasia.

Exsanguination – Exsanguination, alsoknown as bleeding out, is the severanceo the major blood vessels in the neck or

chest that results in a rapid all in bloodpressure, leading to a lack o blood tothe brain and death. Carotid arteriesand the brachial plexus are acceptablelocations or exsanguination. o ensurerapid death, the cut must completely sever the vessels (indicated by strong andrapid blood ow), and be large enoughso blood ow is not impeded. Terecommended length o the knie bladeused is at least 5 inches or a grow/nishpig but may vary depending on the sizeo the pig. Exsanguination should beginwithin 15 seconds aer stunning toensure rapid euthanasia.

Pithing – Pithing is the physicaldestruction o the brain and upperregions o the spinal cord by a rod or

cane as shown in Figure 6. A wire orpolypropylene rod is inserted throughthe hole in the head made by gunshotor penetrating captive bolt. Te rod ispushed into the brain and slid back andorth and rotated to cause maximumdamage to the brain and upper spinalcord. Initially, the pig may showmuscle contraction and twitching, butmuscles will relax and movement will beinhibited shortly thereaer. Disposableand non-disposable pithing rods arecommercially available. Rods can behand-made by securing #9 wire arounda handle. Pithing rods should not be lein the carcass.

Figure 6. Pithing RodPithing rods are commercially available but can also be hand-made.



18

Confrming insensibility and deathRegardless o the method used, it is important to be able to recognize ineectivestunning or euthanasia i it occurs. It also is important to conrm the death o the pi

Confrming insensibility – Insensibility should be checked within 30 secondsaer the method is administered andshould be monitored and maintaineduntil death. Ineective stunning and

euthanasia can be recognized by the

presence o one or more o the ollowing

signs:

• Rhythmic breathing• Constricted pupils• Attempts to raise the head (righting

reex)• Vocalization• Palpebral reex (run nger along the

eyelash and i the pig blinks or movesits eye, the pig is sensible)

• Response to a painul stimulus (suchas a nose prick with a needle)

Confrming death – Te pig should beconrmed dead beore it is moved ordisposal. All the ollowing vital signsshould be checked 3 minutes aer theeuthanasia method has been applied:

• No breathing• No heart beat• No movement or muscle tone• No response to painul stimulus (such

as a nose prick with a needle)

• No vocalization• No corneal reex (the eye blinks

when an object touches the cornea)

I the pig shows any o these signs, a

backup euthanasia method should be

used.

15



Conclusion

It is the responsibility o the caretaker to identiy those pigs that need to be euthanizedand make sure that euthanasia is completed in a timely manner. Euthanizing a pig can

be unpleasant or the caretaker but in certain cases, it may be in the best interest o thepig’s well-being to administer it.

It is imperative that proper euthanasia training is given to all swine caretakers.Additionally, regardless o the method o euthanasia selected, producers and theiremployees should work with their veterinarian to be trained to check or signs o insensibility o the pig; to conrm the death o the pig; and, to eectively and humanely perorm secondary (or backup) methods o euthanasia on pigs o dierent sizes.

Details o each technique are included to allow producers and their employees to

design an appropriate plan or euthanasia o pigs in dierent stages o production. Allo the methods discussed in this brochure are considered humane or the pig whenproperly perormed as described. Te methods selected and the disposal o euthanizedpigs must be according to state law or local regulations.

Work with a veterinarian to outline a plan stating which method o euthanasia will be

used during each phase o production. Use the blank orm provided on page 18. Post

the plan in a centralized area as a guideline or humane euthanasia o pigs on your arm.

Remember to review the plan with new employees and annually with the herd veterinarian

and all arm sta as a reminder.



20

Example Euthanasia Action Plan for a Swine Herd

XYZ Farm

January 7, 2009

Joe Smith, producer

Dr. John Doe, veterinarian

Sally Smith, Dave Jones, & John Doe

Suckling pigs,up to 12 pounds Carbon dioxide CO2

Non-Penetrating

Captive Bolt

Nursery pigs,up to 70 pounds Penetrating captive bolt Gunshot

Grower - Finisher pigs,up to market weight Penetrating captive bolt Gunshot

Mature pigs,sows and boars Penetrating captive bolt Gunshot

Sally Smith June 5, 2008 Jun 10, 2008 June 10, 2008

Dave Jones September 9, 2008 September 9, 2008 September 9, 2008

John Doe October 14, 2008 October 14, 2008 October 14, 2008

Euthanasia Action Plan

Farm Name: _____________________________________________________

Date: __________________________________________________________

Drated by: ______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

Employees responsible or euthanasia: _______________________________________

Phase o production / Size o pig Euthanasia method o choice Alternative method o euthanasia

Employees responsible or euthanasia who have been trained in methods o euthanasia, confrming insensibility and confrmation o death.

Employee name Date o Date o confrming Date o deathmethod training insensibility training confrmation training

17



Euthanasia Action Plan

Farm Name: _____________________________________________________

Date: __________________________________________________________

Drated by: ______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

Employees responsible or euthanasia: _______________________________________

Phase o production / Size o pig Euthanasia method o choice Alternative method o euthanasia

Employees responsible or euthanasia who have been trained in methods o euthanasia, confrming insensibility and confrmation o death.

Employee name Date o Date o confrming Date o deathmethod training insensibility training confrmation training

Suckling pigs,up to 12 pounds

Nursery pigs,up to 70 pounds

Grower - Finisher pigs,up to market weight

Mature pigs,sows and boars



American Association National Pork Board

o Swine Veterinarians P.O. Box 9114

902 1st Avenue Des Moines, IA 50306 USA

Perry, Iowa 50220 USA PHONE: (515) 223-2600

PHONE: (515) 465-5255 FAX: (515) 223-2646

FAX: (515) 465-3832 WEB: http://www.pork.org

EMAIL: [email protected]

WEB: http://www.aasv.org

©2008 National Pork Board, Des Moines, IA USA

This message funded by America’s Pork Checkoff Program. 04259-

pork.org | 800.456.PORK

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Swine Euthanasia