Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following factors is NOT considered when choosing a particular method of stunning?
Which of the following factors is NOT considered when choosing a particular method of stunning?
- Ease of operation
- Species of the animal
- Efficiency of equipment
- Public perception (correct)
What is the primary purpose of stunning an animal during slaughter?
What is the primary purpose of stunning an animal during slaughter?
- To facilitate rapid exsanguination
- To improve meat flavor
- To make the animal insensible to pain (correct)
- To decrease carcass weight
What is a key disadvantage of the chemical stunning method using carbon dioxide?
What is a key disadvantage of the chemical stunning method using carbon dioxide?
- Unconsciousness occurs progressively (correct)
- It may leave harmful residues in meat
- It requires specialized personnel
- It causes immediate unconsciousness
In the electrical stunning method, what is the minimum voltage required for effective stunning of pigs?
In the electrical stunning method, what is the minimum voltage required for effective stunning of pigs?
Which stunning method involves a mechanical action that results in cerebral concussion?
Which stunning method involves a mechanical action that results in cerebral concussion?
Which method of stunning is typically considered the least effective for pigs?
Which method of stunning is typically considered the least effective for pigs?
What is a significant risk associated with using high voltage for stunning?
What is a significant risk associated with using high voltage for stunning?
What are the potential consequences if too low voltage is applied during electrical stunning?
What are the potential consequences if too low voltage is applied during electrical stunning?
What type of stunning method employs a pointed bolt propelled by pressurized air?
What type of stunning method employs a pointed bolt propelled by pressurized air?
Which stunning method causes catastrophic injury leading to immediate death?
Which stunning method causes catastrophic injury leading to immediate death?
Flashcards
Stunning
Stunning
The act of rendering an animal unconscious before slaughter, ensuring a humane and pain-free process.
Physical Stunning
Physical Stunning
A method of stunning using a blunt object (like a pole axe or hammer) to strike the forehead, causing a concussion.
Chemical Stunning
Chemical Stunning
A method of stunning using a gas, like carbon dioxide, to induce unconsciousness by affecting the brain.
Electrical Stunning
Electrical Stunning
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Point of Blow for Physical Stunning
Point of Blow for Physical Stunning
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Penetrative Captive Bolt Pistol
Penetrative Captive Bolt Pistol
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Free Bullet Pistol Stunning
Free Bullet Pistol Stunning
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Cattle Stunning Method
Cattle Stunning Method
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Water Jet Stunning
Water Jet Stunning
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Study Notes
Humane Slaughter Methods
- Slaughter methods include humane stunning, ritual slaughter (Jewish/Shechita, Muslim/Halal, Sikh/Jhatka), and scientific slaughter.
- Stunning is the act of making an animal insensible or unconscious to pain during slaughter.
- Humane methods are necessary to avoid pain and injury to the animal and staff.
- Factors influencing the choice of stunning method include species, breed, and animal age.
Need for Stunning
- Stunning helps make the animal insensible and immobile, lessening pain.
- Preventing injuries to staff during slaughtering.
- Promoting animal welfare.
- Maintaining meat quality.
Methods of Stunning
Mechanical Stunning
- Percussive stunning (penetrative and non-penetrative)
- Penetrative stunning involves creating a hole in the skull
- Non-penetrative stunning is a blow on the forehead to fracture the skull.
- Types of mechanical stunning include captive bolt pistol, free bullet pistol, water jet stunning, and pneumatic stunner.
Chemical Stunning
- Gaseous method using carbon dioxide.
- CO2 inhalation induces respiratory and metabolic acidosis, reducing CSF pH, inhibiting neuronal effects (anaesthetic effect).
Electrical Stunning
- Low voltage alternating current is passed through the animal's brain.
- Minimum time for stunning pigs 70-90V [2-10 secs], cattle 125V [10 secs].
- The method causes massive depolarization of neurons, resulting in EEG patterns, similar to epileptic seizures in humans.
- Electrodes must be correctly positioned to ensure proper current flow through appropriate brain regions.
Exposure Time & Apparatus
- Exposure time for stunning should be 45 seconds, with exsanguination (blood removal) following 20-30 seconds later.
- Different apparatus may be used for gaseous administration (Oval Tunnel, Dip Lift, Compact CO2, Combi Compact).
Advantages of Stunning Methods
CO2 Stunning:
- Relaxed carcasses, easy dehairing and dressing
- Reduced noise and labour costs
- Pork with reduced harmful residues
- Less haemorrhage and lower blood pH.
Other Stunning Methods
- Deep level of unconsciousness with electrical stunning.
Disadvantages of Stunning Methods
Mechanical Stunning
- Method may not always be humane
- Possible haemorrhage and broken bones if high voltage is used.
- If voltage is too low, animal may be paralysed, but still conscious.
Electrical Stunning:
- Loss of sensory awareness.
Question Answers
- Q1: The usual method for stunning cattle in [2020] is using a captive bolt pistol.
- Q2: The recommended method for stunning adult cattle in [2015] is a penetrating captive bolt pistol or CO2 gas stunning.
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