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Current and novel methods for killing poultry individually on-farm

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 November 2014

J. SPARREY ,
D.A. SANDERCOCK ,
N.H.C. SPARKS  and
V. SANDILANDS
J. SPARREY
Affiliation:
Livetec Systems Ltd, Silsoe, Bedford, MK45 4HS, United Kingdom
D.A. SANDERCOCK
Affiliation:
Avian Science Research Centre, SRUC, Auchincruive Campus, Ayr, KA6 5HW, United Kingdom
N.H.C. SPARKS
Affiliation:
Avian Science Research Centre, SRUC, Auchincruive Campus, Ayr, KA6 5HW, United Kingdom
V. SANDILANDS*
Affiliation:
Avian Science Research Centre, SRUC, Auchincruive Campus, Ayr, KA6 5HW, United Kingdom
*
Corresponding author: vicky.sandilands@sruc.ac.uk
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Abstract

This review examines methods for culling small numbers of poultry on farm, considering both common techniques and methods that are yet to be tested on poultry. The aim of this review is to inform the design of experiments that will assess the pros and cons of culling techniques. The methods reviewed include manual and mechanical cervical dislocation, crushing methods (such as burdizzos or pliers), percussive devices, blunt force trauma and a brain-stem piercing device. Previous work on these approaches, of which there is a limited dataset, has relied on behavioural and brain activity as proxy measures of unconsciousness (insensibility) and death, however there remains some uncertainty as to when birds can be considered unequivocally insensible. These factors will be considered when deciding which of the methods will be recommended to be taken forward for further assessment.

Keywords

welfarepoultrycullingnovel techniques
Type
Review Article
Information
World's Poultry Science Journal , Volume 70 , Issue 4 , December 2014 , pp. 737 - 758
Copyright
Copyright © World's Poultry Science Association 2014 

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