In this episode we feature Dr. Kurt Vogel who is an Associate Professor of Animal Welfare and Behavior at the University of Wisconsin – River Falls. Dr. Vogel talks about the importance of humane handling and slaughter of livestock. He also explains more in depth about efficient stunning methods in meat processing facilities. He teaches courses in animal welfare, animal physiology, and meat science. He was the 2020 recipient of the Distinguished Teacher Award – the highest honor bestowed on the faculty at UW-River Falls. 

In addition to his teaching duties, he oversees the Animal Welfare Lab at UW-River Falls and mentors undergraduate and graduate researchers on a variety of projects regarding the relationships of animal welfare and product attributes. Dr. Vogel co-coaches the UW-River Falls Animal Welfare Judging Team as well. Outside of UW-River Falls, Dr. Vogel works as a consultant on animal welfare issues in the meat, dairy, and animal welfare assurance fields. 

Today you will learn about:

1. The humane slaughter act

2. Efficient stunning processes

3. Types of stunning

3. Captive bolt

4. Electrical and chemical stunning in pigs

5. Research on stunning methods

6. Animal welfare

7. Reasons for humane slaughter 

and much more!