GB/T 42304-2023 (English Version)

Standard No.: GB/T 42304-2023
Language: Chinese, Available in English version
Release Date: 2023
Published By: General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of the People‘s Republic of China
Latest: GB/T 42304-2023

Scope: This document specifies the animal welfare requirements for the slaughter of pigs, cattle, sheep, chickens and ducks. This document applies to the animal welfare management of the slaughter process in pig, cattle, sheep, chickens and ducks slaughterhouses.

Introduction

1. Standard Overview and Background Analysis

GB/T 42304-2023 "Animal Welfare Guidelines for Slaughter" was issued in 2023 and is managed by the National Technical Committee for Animal Health Standardization. The standard aims to reduce or minimize stress, fear and pain in animals during the slaughter process and is applicable to the slaughter of pigs, cattle, sheep, chickens and ducks.

2. Interpretation of key requirements

Livestock species	Unloading requirements	Stunning method	Slaughter time control
Pigs	Unloading platform height ≥1.2m, pig driving channel width not less than 1.5m, slope ≤10%	Electrical stunning (current ≥1.3A, time 1-3 seconds) or CO₂ stunning	≤30 seconds after electric stunning, ≤120 seconds after CO₂ stunning
Cattle	Unloading facility height 1.6-1.8m, sufficient pen space	Pneumatic stunning (penetration method) or electric stunning	Slaughter and bleeding within 60 seconds
Sheep	Keep quiet and move slowly	Electrical stunning is the main method	Slaughter and bleeding within 90 seconds
Chickens	Use cold light or low brightness lighting to avoid fright	Electrical stunning or CO₂ gas stunning	Slaughter and bleeding within 10 seconds

2.1 Evolution and optimization of stunning technology

Electrical stunning:Current intensity and duration directly affect animal welfare. Studies have shown that current ≥1.3A and time controlled within 1-3 seconds can effectively ensure that animals do not regain consciousness before slaughter.

CO₂ gas stunning: Rapid stunning through high concentration of CO₂ (volume fraction ≥80%), suitable for large-scale slaughter. Equipment needs to be equipped with sensors and alarm devices to ensure safety.

3. Implementation recommendations and case analysis

3.1 Typical case: Improvement measures for pig slaughterhouses

Optimize the unloading process to reduce pig stress reactions.
Use two-point or three-point electrical stunning equipment to ensure uniform current distribution.
Strengthen employee training to improve the ability to judge effective stunning.

GB/T 42304-2023 Referenced Document

GB/T 19477 Operating procedure of livestock and poultry slaughtering — Cattle
GB/T 19478 Operating procedure of livestock and poultry slaughtering—Chicken
GB/T 22569 Technical criterion of pig humane slaughter

GB/T 42304-2023 history

2023 GB/T 42304-2023 Slaughter Animal Welfare Guidelines