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The evaluation of two commercial electric sheep stunning systems: current applied and the effect on heart function

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 January 2023

F Orford ,
EA Ford ,
SN Brown ,
J McKinstry ,
PJ Hadley ,
JA Lines ,
TG Knowles  and
SB Wotton
F Orford
Affiliation:
School of Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK
EA Ford
Affiliation:
AHDB Beef & Lamb, The Baron Suite, Creech Castle, Bathpool, Taunton TA1 2DX, UK
SN Brown
Affiliation:
School of Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK
J McKinstry
Affiliation:
School of Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK
PJ Hadley
Affiliation:
AHDB Beef & Lamb, The Baron Suite, Creech Castle, Bathpool, Taunton TA1 2DX, UK
JA Lines
Affiliation:
Silsoe Livestock Systems Ltd, Silsoe, Bedford MK45 4HS, UK
TG Knowles
Affiliation:
School of Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK
SB Wotton*
Affiliation:
School of Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK
*
* Contact for correspondence and requests for reprints: Steve.Wotton@bristol.ac.uk
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Abstract

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The maintenance of head-only minimum stunning currents for sheep to ≥ 1.0 Amp as per current legislation was examined in two trials in a commercial abattoir. In the first trial, a Jetco MS100 stunner failed to maintain the current to > 1.0 Amp in 118 of the 228 sheep. In a second trial, a Jetco MS105 delivered sufficient current in all sheep (n = 275) to meet the legislative requirement, apart from a single animal. Recorded electrocardiograms showed a regular heartbeat, with no evidence of ventricular fibrillation, in all animals in both trials following stunning and neck-cut. Only one of the two stun units may therefore be considered to meet the statutory requirements but both may meet the requirements for halal slaughter where pre-stun is considered acceptable.

Keywords

animal welfareelectrical stunningelectrocardiogramhalalsheepvoltage current
Type
Research Article
Information
Animal Welfare , Volume 25 , Issue 3 , August 2016 , pp. 331 - 337
Copyright
© 2016 Universities Federation for Animal Welfare

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