Painless Killing of Crabs and Other Large Crustaceans

Gunter, Gordon

doi:10.1126/science.133.3449.327.a

Cited by 12 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 2 publications

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“…Knudsen, later suggested the addition of 50 to 75% freshwater to kill marine crustaceans [ 70 ]. Gunter included a further step, heating the water to 40 °C, and reported that this treatment will kill the crabs quickly and easily without showing distress [ 194 ]. Drowning the crab P. gigas resulted in immediate rigidity and easy handling, however, after 10 min, the animals became very active, tore at their abdomens and walking legs, autotomy occurred, and they suffered mortality in less than 5 h [ 50 ], hence the authors reported that this method should not be used.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Methods to Induce Analgesia and Anesthesia in Crustaceans: A Supportive Decision Tool

Rotllant

Llonch

García

et al. 2023

Biology

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Methods to induce analgesia and anesthesia for research purposes, handling, transport, or stunning have been used in 71 species of crustaceans. A non-systematic literature search was conducted on crustacean anesthetic methods. This review presents a comprehensive evaluation of drugs and non-chemical methods used to provide analgesia and anesthesia in many crustacean species rather than just decapod crustaceans. This information allows users to select an appropriate method or agent for their species of interest. We prepared an on-line tool based on datasette, a no-code open-source solution for simple web-based database frontends that allows exploration and downloading data by method, analgesic/anesthetic, species, life stage, or sex, as well as other data including environmental conditions (temperature, salinity, light), route of administration, dosage, and induction and recovery times. These values can be selected to filter the dataset and export it to CSV or JSON formats. Currently, several techniques and chemicals are, in our opinion, unsuitable for use as anesthetics in crustaceans, and the basis for these opinions are presented. Given the evidence of a pain-like experience in crustaceans, we propose that researchers should treat crustaceans humanely, applying the principles of good handling, care, and the management of stress and pain to safeguard their welfare.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Methods to Induce Analgesia and Anesthesia in Crustaceans: A Supportive Decision Tool

Rotllant

Llonch

García

et al. 2023

Biology

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“…The debate on humane slaughter methods for decapod crustaceans started in the 1950s with publications by Baker and Gunter ( 60 , 61 ). There is contradictory evidence on whether slowly warming live animals or placing live animals in boiling water is humane ( 62 , 63 ), but boiling lobsters alive has been banned in New Zealand ( 64 ), Norway ( 26 ), Switzerland ( 65 ), and certain parts of Italy ( 66 ).…”

Section: Opportunity 3: Use Of Humane Slaughter Methods For Aquatic I...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Perspective: Opportunities for advancing aquatic invertebrate welfare

et al. 2022

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Welfare considerations and regulations for invertebrates have lagged behind those for vertebrates, despite invertebrates comprising more than 95% of earth's species. Humans interact with and use aquatic invertebrates for exhibition in zoos and aquaria, as pets, research subjects, and important food sources. Recent research has indicated that aquatic invertebrates, in particular cephalopod mollusks and decapod crustaceans, experience stress and may be able to feel pain. With this article, we present results of a survey on attitudes of aquatic animal health professionals toward aquatic invertebrate welfare and provide practical recommendations for advancing aquatic invertebrate welfare across four areas of opportunity: use of anesthesia, analgesia, and euthanasia; development of less invasive diagnostic and research sampling methods based on 3R principles; use of humane slaughter methods for aquatic invertebrates; and reducing impacts of invasive procedures in aquaculture and fisheries. We encourage consideration of these opportunities to achieve far-reaching improvements in aquatic invertebrate welfare.

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Crustacean Shellfish

Gökoğlu

2021

Shellfish Processing and Preservation

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Painless Killing of Crabs and Other Large Crustaceans

Abstract: Large crustaceans used for food are customarily scalded to death. This is unnecessary torture, for it can be avoided easily. It is possible to kill the animals quickly, without pain, by placing them in cool fresh water and raising the temperature steadily to about 40°C.

Cited by 12 publications

References 2 publications

Methods to Induce Analgesia and Anesthesia in Crustaceans: A Supportive Decision Tool

Methods to Induce Analgesia and Anesthesia in Crustaceans: A Supportive Decision Tool

Perspective: Opportunities for advancing aquatic invertebrate welfare

Crustacean Shellfish

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