ZBTL.htm

NR ZBTL

AU Blackmore,D.K.; Newhook,J.C.

TI The assessment of insensibility in sheep, calves and pigs during slaughter

QU CEC-Seminar "Stunning of Animals for Slaughter", 13.-15. Oktober 1982, ZEIST / Niederlande, Martinus Nijhoff Publ., 1983

PT Proceedings

AB Based on the study of electroencephalograms (EEG) the onset of insensibility, due to exsanguination and cerebral hypoxia, was assessed in sheep, calves and pigs. In sheep insensibility occurred within 3-7s, in calves insensibility was delayed for 85s or longer, and in pigs it occurred within 13-25s. These differences were assumed to be associated with differences in the supply of blood to the brain by the vertebral artery. Similar studies of the EEG of animals stunned by "head-only" electrical methods, indicated that a period of temporary insensibility of up to 42s could be achieved. Methods of electrical stunning, which cause concurrent cardiac dysfunction, induce immediate and continuing insensibility. Animals subjected to an effective electrical stun exhibit generalised tetanic spasms for 25s, followed by spasmodic clonic movements. Other reactions exhibited by animals during the slaughter process, including those commonly assumed to be voluntary such as vocalisation, were of little value in assessing their state of sensibility. It is suggested that the assessment of electroimmobilisation as a humane procedure can only be achieved by the use of appropriately conditioned animals

SP englisch

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