Nitrogen euthanasia using a Dutch commercial unit – miniNOFF

Project 19-003 - Lead Researcher: Dr. Sue Burlatschenko, Ecovet Ltd.

There is a limited amount of information on gaseous euthanasia of livestock.  This is, of course, a sensitive issue, both in research and public perception of euthanasia options.  There have been studies on piglets using different gases, notably carbon dioxide, argon and nitrogen.  Nitrogen and carbon dioxide were used in an unpublished study at the University of Wagenigen. Nitrogen is considered a narcotic gas. Nitrogen is also lethal when inhaled in its purest form.  Despite the noxious disadvantage of carbon dioxide as a stand-alone euthanizing gas, it continues to be used because of availability and cost.  Additionally, there is a commercial unit that has been designed for euthanasia of piglets using carbon dioxide in a controlled manner.  Although nitrogen is slightly lighter than air, it can be used as a euthanizing agent when the device it is used in is closed and impermeable to leakage. 

Final Report