Captive bolt stunning of cattle: Effects on brain function and role of bolt velocity

Daly, C.C.; Gregory, N.; Wotton, S.B.

doi:10.1016/0007-1935(87)90049-2

Cited by 41 publications

(25 citation statements)

References 14 publications

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“…The state of unconsciousness is also produced when there is physical disruption of brain activity through depolarization of nerve cells [1], which is caused by electrical stunning [22], hyperpolarization of specific neurons in the thalamus by general anesthetics [23], and concussion [1], which is caused by rapid acceleration of the head [24].…”

Section: The Avian Brain and Consciousnessmentioning

confidence: 99%

Measures of insensibility used to determine effective stunning and killing of poultry

Erasmus¹,

Turner

Widowski³

2010

Journal of Applied Poultry Research

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Primary Audience: Producers, Researchers SUMMARYThe ability to assess the level of unconsciousness (insensibility) in poultry is important on farms and in abattoirs, where the effectiveness of stunning and slaughter needs to be ascertained. Moreover, knowledge of the most reliable indicators of insensibility is essential to producers and researchers responsible for maintaining acceptable levels of poultry welfare. A problem with assessing insensibility in poultry is that no single method is appropriate under all circumstances, and some methods are not practical in field situations. Several measures have been recommended and used to evaluate insensibility in poultry, including brain stem reflexes, such as the corneal reflex, and spinal reflexes, such as the pain withdrawal reflex. This review examines specific advantages and disadvantages of measures that have been used to assess insensibility in studies of killing methods, and provides an overview of recommended signs of effective stunning and slaughter. The measures that are used to monitor the state of insensibility in birds during anesthesia are also examined to provide additional practical means for assessing loss of consciousness in the field. In general, the absence of brain stem and spinal reflexes provides reliable evidence of insensibility after stunning and euthanasia procedures. Although the onset of neuromuscular spasms (convulsions) does not necessarily indicate insensibility, the complete cessation of neuromuscular spasms appears to be associated with brain death. Further research is necessary to validate these measures and other indicators, such as the absence of neck muscle tension and jaw tone, as reliable indicators of complete insensibility.

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Section: The Avian Brain and Consciousnessmentioning

confidence: 99%

Measures of insensibility used to determine effective stunning and killing of poultry

Erasmus¹,

Turner

Widowski³

2010

Journal of Applied Poultry Research

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“…It is the author's opinion that during the last 4 years, stunning of bulls and cows with heavy skulls is still a problem area. Methods to correct stunning problems are outlined in other publications 8,9 . During 2003, many slaughter plants installed a new, more powerful pneumatic stunner that may reduce problems with stunning bulls and cows with heavy skulls.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…They have moved lights to eliminate shiny reflections on wet floors. Lamps have been placed on dark restrainer entrances to facilitate cattle entry because cattle will often refuse to enter a dark place 9 . In plants in which approaching cattle could see people ahead, shields have been installed to block the cattle's view Some plants have modified their ventilation systems to prevent air drafts from blowing into the faces of approaching cattle because this may cause cattle to balk.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Maintenance of good animal welfare standards in beef slaughter plants by use of auditing programs

Grandin

2005

javma

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“…Previous work has examined the time to undoubted insensibility and the effectiveness of penetrating and non-penetrating captive bolt in sheep and cattle using brainstem and cranial/spinal reflexes (Atkinson, Velarde, & Algers, 2013;Blackmore, 1979;Fricker & Riek, 1981;Gibson et al, 2012;Gouveia, Ferreira, Roque de Costa, Vaz-Pires, & Martins da Costa, 2009;Gregory, Lee, & Widdicombe, 2007;Svendsen, Jensen, Karlsen, Svalastoga, & Jensen, 2008) and changes in the spontaneous EEG and evoked potentials (Daly, Gregory, & Wotton, 1987;Daly, Gregory, Wotton, & Whittington, 1986;Fricker & Riek, 1981;Gibson et al, 2009a,b;Lambooy & Spanjaard, 1981). Generally, these studies conclude that captive bolt stunning is an effective method of rendering animals insensible prior to the act of slaughter, provided that the animals are shot in the correct position, with the appropriate CBG/cartridge combination for the species and animal type and finally that the CBGs are regularly cleaned and serviced to minimise deterioration in performance (Grandin, 1980(Grandin, , 1994(Grandin, , 2002.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Pathophysiology of penetrating captive bolt stunning in Alpacas (Vicugna pacos)

Gibson

Whitehead²,

Taylor

et al. 2015

Meat Science

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The aim of this study was to examine the behavioural and cranial/spinal responses of alpacas culled by captive bolt shooting and the resulting pathophysiology of captive bolt injury. Ninety-six alpacas were shot (103 shots) in a range of locations with a penetrating captive bolt gun (CBG). Ten (9.8%) alpacas were incompletely concussed following the first shot. No animals required more than two shots. Incorrectly placed shots accounted for all of the animals that displayed signs of sensibility. Damage to the thalamus, hypothalamus, midbrain, medulla, cerebellum, parietal and occipital lobes were significantly associated with decreasing odds of incomplete concussion. In conclusion, the study confirmed that CBG stunning can induce insensibility in alpacas and suggests that the top of the head (crown) position maximises damage to structures of the thalamus and brainstem.

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Captive bolt stunning of cattle: Effects on brain function and role of bolt velocity

Cited by 41 publications

References 14 publications

Measures of insensibility used to determine effective stunning and killing of poultry

Measures of insensibility used to determine effective stunning and killing of poultry

Maintenance of good animal welfare standards in beef slaughter plants by use of auditing programs

Pathophysiology of penetrating captive bolt stunning in Alpacas (Vicugna pacos)

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