Which of the following is NOT an approved method of stunning livestock?

• A. CO2
• B. Radiofrequency Stunning
• C. Captive bolt (mechanical)
• D. Gunshot (mechanical)

Answer: (B)

Stunning methods for livestock must reliably render animals unconscious and insensible to pain before slaughter, and they are governed by welfare regulations and validated protocols. Radiofrequency stunning is not an approved method in standard livestock slaughter practices because it lacks widespread regulatory acceptance and validated evidence that it reliably produces humane unconsciousness in typical farming settings. In contrast, CO2 stunning is an established gas method used for pigs, captive bolt (a mechanical percussive method) is widely used for cattle, sheep, and goats, and gunshot (mechanical) is recognized as an acceptable method in certain field or controlled conditions when performed by trained personnel. Because RF stunning does not meet the established welfare standards and regulatory consensus, it is the best answer as not being an approved method.