Application of Stunning in Slaughterhouses

Application of Stunning in Slaughter

• Restraint and Stunning are crucial in slaughterhouses
• Mechanical stunning, air stunning, electric stunning, and gas stunning are methods used.
• Conditions according to MS 1500:2009 are important.
• Fatwa decision on stunning plays a significant role.

Introduction - Restraint

• Animals are driven to the stunning area quietly, using methods like straps and prodders if needed.
• Animals must not be beaten, and their tails should not be twisted.
• Animals are placed into restraining devices appropriate for the intended stunning method.
• Restraint devices must not allow prolonged standing; stunning should be immediate after securing.
• Operators are required to be trained adequately and supervised, per local regulations.

Introduction - Restraint (Cattle)

• Stunning boxes should be wide enough, preventing turning.
• Box floors should be non-slip.

Introduction - Restraint (Sheep/Goats)

• Metal stunning boxes are appropriate for these animals.
• Manual restraint is satisfactory in situations.

Introduction - Restraint (Poultry)

• Chickens are shackled for movement along a conveyor line.
• Gentle handling is necessary to prevent injuries.
• Birds might be placed in cones (headfirst) in small slaughterhouses.

Introduction - Restraint (Ostriches)

• Temperamental animals must be securely restrained to prevent kicking.
• Animals are led into V-shaped pens, with head facing the point.
• Feet can be clamped immediately after stunning.

Introduction - Stunning

• Animals are rendered unconscious before slaughter to eliminate pain, discomfort, and stress.
• Legislation regarding pre-slaughter stunning exists globally, with exceptions for authorized ritual slaughters (e.g., Halal and Kosher).
• Traditional slaughtering methods may be allowed in some circumstances.

Mechanical Stunning

• Method is also called percussion stunning.
• Producers a physical shock to the brain using different types such as captive bolt, gunshot and pneumatic percussive.
• Various variations exist, including hand-held barrels and cartridge-based systems.

Mechanical Stunning (Captive Bolt)

• Captive bolt pistols use a blank cartridge to propel a metal bolt into the skull.
• Penetrative bolts are described.
• Non -penetrative bolts are described.

Mechanical Stunning (Hand-Held Barrel Captive Bolt)

• Bottom part is removed for loading cartridges.
• The CBP moves in a firing position.
• Rubber rings stop the bolt

Mechanical Stunning (Penetrative-Captive Bolt)

• Bolt penetrates the skull, damaging the brain and causing concussion.
• May increase intracranial pressure and lead to bruising.
• Non-penetrative variants may cause permanent physical brain damage.

Mechanical Stunning (Non-Penetrative-Captive Bolt)

• Also known as mushroom-head stunners, these deliver strong blows to the skull without penetrating it.
• Brain damage is not direct but possibility of skull breakage.
• Animals not necessarily killed and high chances of injury.

Mechanical Stunning (Gunshot)

• Dangerous for operators; animals must be shot while standing/lying on soft ground to avoid ricochets.

Mechanical Stunning (Pneumatic-Percussive Stunner)

• Uses air pressure to deliver a blow to the skull, causing unconsciousness.
• Stunning is reversible.
• Compliance to regulations regarding pressure and shape of the stunner is required (e.g., MS 1500).

Electrical Stunning

• Induce electroplectic shock or epileptic state in the brain.
• Type can be reversible or irreversible.
• Electrical shock stunning can be used on pigs, sheep, goats and ostriches, but not always other large stock.

Electrical Stunning (Reversible-Electrical Shock)

• Head-only stunning is common.
• Electrodes are positioned on the animal's head, often on the sides.
• Animals may regain consciousness after stunning.
• Requires immediate slaughter after.

Electrical Stunning (Irreversible-Electrical Shock)

• Animals lose consciousness and may not regain it.
• Additional electrodes may be necessary.
• Slaughter of stunned animals not recommended.

Electrical Stunning (Tongs Electrode)

• Tongs electrodes are used to apply direct current.

Electrical Stunning (Waterbath Stunning)

• Birds are dragged through a trough of water with low voltage applied.

Gas Stunning

• Uses carbon dioxide (CO2) gas, and is suitable for pigs and poultry.
• Usually carried out in industrial settings due to needed equipment to supply the gas.
• Concentrations are specified, typically 65% CO2 in the air for around 15 seconds. (Poultry).
• Other gas stunning methods exist with alternate considerations for different needs and circumstances.

Guideline parameters for electrical stunning (Table A1 and A2)

• Parameters are outlined for chickens, bulls, and other animals.
• Electrical current, voltage, and duration are factors.

National Fatwa Decision (Stunning)

• 29 September 2005 Fatwa.
• Penetrative and non-penetrative captive bolt types are prohibited.
• Head-only electrical stunning is allowable, but strictly regulated on parameters.
• Waterbath stunning is allowable but strictly regulated.
• (13 March 2006) Fatwa on Pneumatic Percussive Stunning is allowable, under conditions, for halal animals.

Halal Control Point of Halal Slaughter.

• Diagram of the process from rearing to packaging for Halal slaughter is presented.