Investigations of the stunning and sticking of calves

Summary

In recent years, there has been a growing overseas market for Halal slaughtered bobby calves. This project investigated the current methods of Halal slaughter used and compared these to different methods of stunning and sticking on blood loss in calves.

The effect of unilateral and bilateral carotid artery cuts were examined for their impact on blood loss and electroencephalogram activity. The work was undertaken to gain community, welfare and regulatory acceptance for the methods and technologies that were being trialled.

Objectives

Investigate current methods of Halal slaughter used in abattoirs and compare them with novel approaches to develop new industry best practices. The project aimed to reduce costs to the producer and at the same time enhance market access and community acceptability.

Key findings

• 486 calves slaughtered using the current Halal method were examined for the presence of head righting behaviour, eye reflex and normal, rhythmic, breathing movements. Only one calf showed symptoms of consciousness following stunning and this animal was found to have only one carotid artery cut
• The spontaneous activity of the EEG tested in calves following sticking was measured to be three times longer when one carotid artery was cut, compared to when both arteries were cut.
• The average rate of blood loss following thoracis stick was greater than the bilateral stick and there was significantly greater variation in rate of blood loss following the bilateral stick.
• Calves stunned electronically bled faster than those stunned with the captive bolt. Electrically stunned calves struck by the Halal method bled as fast, or faster than those slaughtered by any of the other methods.

Benefits to industry

There is significant potential to increase market access to growing markets with Halal specific requirements while also improving domestic consumer acceptability of the practices thereby ensuring maximum value for the red meat industry through flexibility of market choice.

MLA action

Since the end of 2009, no further work for the above methods has been funded in this area by AMPC and the processors. However, alternative stunning technologies for sheep are currently under investigation.

Related MLA projects

A.SRP.0032; A.SRP.0031; A.SRP.0027;A.SRP.0030; A.SRP.0029; A.SRP.0028; A.SRP.0026; A.SRP.0025; A.SRP.0024;

Future research

The work that has been done as part of this program produced some very encouraging results. HFE technology for cattle will meet most needs and can be implemented at a relatively low cost. It was proposed that future work be designed to collect a mass of data under commercial conditions. It was also proposed that data be collected to determine the suitability of the technology on long grain fed cattle to fill in this knowledge gap. It was proposed that SPUC work continue because it showed promise as a technology that will meet all market access requirements including the most stringent halal requirements. However, it is still a technology in its infancy and will require additional work before it is a commercial prospect.