Stunning of cattle with penetrating catpive bolt stunners

Summary

The effectiveness of penetrating captive bolt stunners when used for the stunning of adult cattle was assessed at three abattoirs. 291 animal stunning’s were observed and the individual stunning position (front or back), number of stuns, dentition and weight were recorded for each animal.

Although the animals in the trials were of excitable temperament, 97% of animals were effectively stunned with a single application of the stunner.

Objectives

The objective of the project was to determine the effectiveness of the penetrating captive bolt stunning method in cattle in relation to the number of stuns required to be administered.

The secondary aim of the project was to determine the possible reasons for the requirement of additional stuns to animals.

Key findings

• The results show that at least 97% of animals were effectively stunned with a single shot from the captive bolt stunner.
• An examination of the details of the animals stunned more than once suggests, but does not prove, that in some cases incorrect positioning of the stunner contributed to the ineffective stunning.
• Correct positioning of the stunning device to the skull resulted in a single stun 100% of the time suggesting the importance of the skill of the operator.

Benefits to industry

The industry will benefit from this piece of work through an increase in animal welfare standards due to better informed knowledge as to what is required for the human stunning of cattle. This has the potential to improve consumer acceptance of the task and improve market access as a result.  

MLA action

Halal market specification have become increasing important as a means of increasing market access to larger populations. This has required the move away from penetrating captive bolt stunning methods as these do not qualify for Halal certification. Therefore little action has been take by MLA into this method of stunning.  

Future research

In this study, it was not possible to prove that incorrect positioning of the stunner led to ineffective stunning, as effective stunning seemed to be achieved with stunning positions well displaced from the midline. This was not always the case however, and it is suggested further research be undertaken into improvements to equipment and cattle handling strategies to improve the positioning of stunning.