Academic literature on the topic 'Stunning and slaughter'

AbstractThere has been insufficient research into CO2 stunning with regard to its effect on pigs being slaughtered. This lack of knowledge may be at least partly responsible for the partial rejection of CO2-stunning methods. During routine slaughter work, 598 pigs (average carcase weight: 94 kg) were evaluated. The stunning procedure was carried out in industrial stunning chambers with 90% CO2 by volume and an exposure time of either 120 or 90 s. The corneal reflex response was evaluated immediately prior to bleeding in order to determine the depth of narcosis. Blood was taken at slaughter (slaughter blood) to determine the partial pressure of breathing gases and the acid-base status. We found that CO2 stunning mainly produced hypoxaemia, but also normoand hyperoxaemia, in arteriovenous slaughter blood. No further positive reflex responses occurred at a pO2 threshold of ≤ 1.6 kPa. PCO2 increased to values of 40 kPa and above. This extreme hypercapnia resulted in a decrease of the slaughter blood pH with values of less than 7.00 (ie, strong respiratory acidosis). Starting with threshold values from pCO2 > 23 kPa and pH < 6.85, stunned pigs revealed only a few or no positive reflex responses, respectively. The non-respiratory Stewart-variable serum [SID3] was elevated to alkaline values of 65 mmol L−1 and above, in comparison to the normal values of 45 (± 2) mmol L−1. We conclude that the use of cut-off points such as the pH and/or pO2 in routine sampling of slaughter animals (eg by application of ion-sensitive electrodes) would establish the depth of narcosis in pigs destined for slaughter. The efficiency of monitoring could thereby be improved during slaughter, in line with the demands of animal welfare.

AbstractUK legislation requiring pre-slaughter stunning has certain exemptions for religious slaughter. Supporters of both Muslim (Halal) and Jewish (Shechita) slaughter methods claim that the efficiency of the bleed out is adversely affected by stunning. In this study, electrical stunning followed by neck cutting, and captive bolt stunning followed by neck cutting, were compared with the Muslim slaughter method (neck cutting without stunning) in sheep. Total blood loss and percentage blood loss, expressed as a percentage of live weight, were calculated and compared between groups. In addition, the time taken to reach 25%, 50%, 75% and 90% of total blood loss was calculated and compared. There was no apparent difference in the packed cell volume levels between groups. Slaughter method did, however, affect meat pH and colour. The results show that the bleed out after neck cutting is not adversely affected by electrical or captive bolt stunning; nor is an improved bleed out achieved by neck cutting without stunning.

Resource-limited farmers slaughter goats without stunning. The objective of the current study was to assess the influence of indigenous slaughter methods used by resource-limited households on slaughter stress-related behaviour, bleeding efficiency, and time to post-slaughter trauma of goats. Thirty clinically healthy castrated Nguni goats aged between 15 to 18 months old with body condition score of three were randomly assigned to three non-stunning informal slaughter methods, (1) transverse neck incision (TNI); (2) suprasternal notch piercing in the direction of the heart (SNP); and (3) under-shoulder-blade chest-floor point-of-elbow (CFP) sticking in the direction of the heart. Ten goats were slaughtered using each method. Slaughter method had no effect (p < 0.05) on stress-related behaviour. Rate of bleeding efficiency was highest (p < 0.05) for SNP slaughtered goats. Time to lose sensibility was lowest (p < 0.05) for goats slaughtered using the CFP (55 s) when compared to SNP (68 s) and TNI (75 s) slaughter methods. Time to post-slaughter trauma was highest (p < 0.05) for SNP (247 s) and lowest for TNI (195 s). These findings suggest that goats slaughtered with SNP experienced rapid death when compared to TNI and SNP slaughter methods. It was concluded that the SNP slaughter method is the most effective slaughter technique because it is associated with higher bleeding efficiency and lower time to lose sensibility before death.

AbstractSome supporters of religious slaughter methods claim that efficiency of bleed-out is adversely affected by stunning. Our previous study carried out in sheep at an abattoir comparing the Muslim method of slaughter without stunning with pre-slaughter stunning using a captive bolt or by electrical methods concluded that bleed-out is not adversely affected by stunning, nor improved by a neck cut without stunning. In this paper, a similar study carried out in cattle is reported. In this study, captive bolt stunning followed by neck cutting was compared with the Muslim slaughter method without stunning. The total blood loss, percentage blood loss expressed as a percentage of live weight and percentage loss of estimated total blood were calculated and compared between each group. In addition, the time periods taken to reach 25, 50, 75 and 90% of total blood loss were also calculated. There was no significant difference between the two stunning groups for any of these blood loss variables. The results, subjected to statistical analyses, also showed no apparent difference in the PCV levels and meat quality parameters between treatments. These results confirm the findings with sheep and show that the bleed-out is not adversely affected by captive bolt stunning, nor improved by a neck cut without stunning in cattle. It is anticipated that these findings may help promote the use of stunning methods during Halal slaughter.

Electrical stunning is the most widely used stunning method for sheep and goats. Because low frequency head-to-back electrical stunning induces cardiac arrest, it is non-compliant with halal requirements. In addition, conventional head-only electrical stunning method can have adverse effects on carcass and meat quality. To address these issues high-frequency electrical stunning systems were developed. High frequency head-to-back removes the potential for pain and distress compared with non-stunned slaughter and does not induce cardiac arrest like low frequency head-to-back stunning making it appropriate for halal. However, this claim is yet to be proven through a comprehensive neurophysiological study. Thus, the present study examined the effects of different pre-slaughter electrical stunning methods and slaughter without stunning on electroencephalographic and blood biochemistry changes. Thirty-two male Boer crossbred bucks were distributed into four groups of eight animals each and subjected to slaughter without stunning (SWS), low frequency head-only (LFHO) and low frequency head-to-back (LFHB) or high frequency head-to-back electrical stunning (HFHB). Slaughtering of animals with or without stunning was performed under minimal anaesthesia. Based on electroencephalograph results, at slaughter, the SWS animals showed an increase in brain electrical activity, which is consistent with the presence of post slaughter noxious sensory input associated with tissue damage. Meanwhile the electroencephalograph activities decreased immediately after application of electrical stunning in all animals, suggesting that they were insensible to pain during and after the neck cut. Electrical brain activities for goats subjected to HFHB were comparable to those for LFHO and those for LFHB. The percentage of animals that exhibited severe clonic activity was significantly lower after LFHB or HFHB stunning compared with LFHO. The concentrations of catecholamines and hyperglycemia in electrically stunned goats were higher compared with those from SWS. It was observed that LFHB caused cardiac arrest in all goats whereas all HFHB goats had no cardiac arrest. High frequency head-to-back electrical stunning may be an improvement on non-stunned slaughter and has advantages for meat quality. However, stunning effectiveness after head-to-back electrical stunning with high frequencies needs to be evaluated under industrial conditions before any recommendation is given.

Stunning is the process of rendering animals immobile or unconscious, with or without killing the animal, when or immediately prior to slaughtering them for food. In modern slaughterhouses a variety of stunning methods are used on livestock. Methods include: Electrical stunning, Gas stunning, Percussive stunning. There are three opinions of Islamic scholars about stunning. Those scholars; who do not allow stunning at all; are of the view that the method of rendering animals unconscious before slaughter is against the shairah method and Sunnah, and it is Makrooh e Teḥreemi. Before slaughtering, if an animal died due to stunning, then that animal is carcass and is not allowed to be eaten. But, if before slaughter, ḥayat e Mustaqirrah is present in animal and it is slaughtered in that condition then it is permissible to eat it. Certain scholars allow stunning in certain situations with some terms and conditions. The decisions of Mjam e Faqhiyyah of modern age are also based on conditional permission. Moreover, Mufti Muḥammad Taqi Usmani, Dr. Wahabah Zoḥaili and Abdul Aziz Bin Baaz agree with conditional permission, while some other scholars allow all types of stunning without any condition; Mufti Muḥammad Abduho and his pupil Allamah Rasheed Raza Miṣri agree with later opinion.

The aim of this paper was to review current religious slaugtering processes and dillemas in EU. Stunning of animals before slaughter is a legally prescribed requirement in the EU intended to reach animal unconsciousness so that slaughter does not cause anxiety, pain, suffering or distress. In some European Union countries, religious slaughter is exceptionally allowed without stunning. Animals intended for religious slaughter must be healthy and undamaged. In order to meet these requirements, religious slaughtering in the EU is being implemented only in allowed and approved slaughterhouses. Slaughter can only be performed by authorized and educated operators. Regarding religious slaughter, there are many dilemmas in the EU about whether this methods of slaughter causes additional suffering of animals. Insofar as Muslim slaughter in some cases allows some methods of the preslaughter stunning, Jewish slaughter does not allow any stunning. Therefore, it is necessary to take into account the fact that in the future, it will be necessary to examine alternative stunning methods which will ensure the integrity of live animals before bleeding. At the same time, it is necessary to harmonize the guidelines for a harmonized procedures of handling animals before and after slaughtering and certifying of the meat originating from religious slaughter in order not to mislead consumers.

This thesis describes experimental work conducted to define factors associated with the occurrence of ecchymosis (blood splash) in fallow deer, and discusses facets of the Australian venison processing sector with respect to its capacity to improve the quality of venison. Data was collected on 1804 deer slaughtered experimentally (n equals 494) or at commercial works (n equals 1310) in a range of different slaughter systems. The study showed that a number of factors contribute to the expression of ecchymosis in the carcases of slaughtered deer, and the tailoring of slaughter procedures to suit particular slaughter systems is likely to reduce the extent to which ecchymosis occurs.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Orientador : Profª. Drª. Carla Forte Maiolino Molento
Co-orientador : Prof. Dr. Ricardo Vilani e Profª. Drª. Elizabeth Santin
Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Federal do Paraná, Setor de Ciências Agrárias, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias. Defesa: Curitiba, 27/03/2015
Inclui referências : f. 18-20;47-56;70-75;92-96
Área de concentração : Nutrição e alimentação animal
Resumo: No Brasil, em 2011 foram produzidas 544.490 toneladas de peixes provenientes da aquicultura. A preocupação com o grau de bem-estar dos animais destinados à produção de alimentos é crescente no mundo ocidental. No entanto, os métodos tradicionais de abate de peixes causam um alto grau de sofrimento e estudos de métodos de abate humanitário em espécies nativas ainda são escassos. Além disso, as regulamentações de abate de animais de produção não incluem peixes. Desta forma, este trabalho teve como objetivo estudar parâmetros para eletronarcose de duas espécies, assim como conhecer a percepção de cidadãos da América Latina em relação à senciência, bem-estar e abate humanitário de peixes. Este estudo divide-se em cinco capítulos: (1) Apresentação; (2) Percepção sobre senciência, bem-estar e abate humanitário de peixes por cidadãos da América Latina; (3) Eletronarcose em pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus); (4) Eletronarcose em jundiá (Rhamdia quelen) e (5) Considerações finais. O capítulo sobre a percepção dos cidadãos mostrou que os respondentes consideram os peixes como seres sencientes. A classificação da percepção de senciência entre os diferentes grupos taxonômicos parece estar em concordância com a proximidade filogenética, sugerindo uma maior sensibilidade com os mamíferos. Os cidadãos perceberam um alto grau de sofrimento em cenários de pesca esportiva, feira do peixe vivo e peixes usados em laboratórios. Além disso, os respondentes concordaram com a inclusão dos peixes nas normativas de abate humanitário. Os capítulos sobre electronarcose permitiram entender parâmetros de insensibilização elétrica com tempos de inconsciência maior que 1 min, sem alterações significativas no pH muscular e rigor mortis das carcaças. Ainda, os parâmetros foram seguros em termos de evitar fraturas, hemorragias ou petéquias nas carcaças. Os resultados obtidos apontam para a necessidade de desenvolvimento de pesquisa visando melhorar as atuais práticas de abate de peixes no Brasil, assim como a relevância de incluir os peixes na regulamentação de abate humanitário. Novos estudos são necessários para fornecer ferramentas aplicáveis na indústria, de modo de instaurar práticas de abate humanitário em peixes que diminuam o sofrimento de um grande número de indivíduos. Palavras-chave: Abate humanitário. Bem-estar animal. Eletronarcose. Inconsciência. Percepção. Sofrimento. Termonarcose.
Abstract: In Brazil, in 2011 it was produced 544,490 tons of fish from aquaculture. The concern with the level of welfare of animals for food production is increasing in the Western world. However, traditional methods of killing fish cause a high degree of suffering and studies of humane slaughter methods in native species are still scarce. Furthermore, the most regulations slaughter of farm animals include do not include fish. Thus, this work aimed to study parameters for electrical stunning in two species and to study the perception on fish sentience, welfare and slaughter by citizens from Bogotá, Colombia, and Curitiba, Brazil. This study is divided into five chapters: (1) Presentation; (2) Perception on fish sentience, welfare and humane slaughter by Latin American citizens; (3) Electrical stunning in pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus); (4) Electrical stunning in South American catfish (Rhamdia quelen) and (5) Final considerations. The chapter on the perception of citizens showed that respondents consider the fish as sentient beings. The classification of sentience perception among taxonomic groups seems in accordance with the phylogenetic proximity to humans, suggesting greater sensitivity towards mammals. Citizens perceived a high degree of suffering in recreational angling, fair live fish and fish used in laboratories. In addition, respondents agreed with the inclusion of fish in humane slaughter regulations. The chapters on electrical stunning allowed identified parameters of electrical stunning to unconsciousness times greater than 1 min and no significant changes in muscle pH and rigor mortis of carcasses. Further, parameters used were safe in terms of avoiding fractures, bleeding or petechial in the carcasses. The results point to the need for research development to improve the current fish slaughtering practices in Brazil, as well as the importance of including fish in the regulation of humane slaughter. Further studies are needed to provide tools applicable in the industry in order to establish humane slaughter practices in fish reduce the suffering of a large number of individuals. Keywords: Animal welfare. Electrical stunning. Humane slaughter. Hypothermia. Perception. Suffering. Unconsciousness.

Moderne Schlachtsysteme tragen ein Risiko lebende Tiere weiterzuverarbeiten (SCHÜTTE und BOSTELMANN 2001, TROEGER 2005 und TROEGER und MEILER 2006). Gründe für dieses ernst zu nehmende tierschutzrelevante Problem sind eine ineffiziente Betäubung und/oder der Mangel an einer ausreichenden und schnellen Entblutung der Schweine. Die europäische Kommission hat 2009 die Verordnung (EG) Nr. 1099/2009 über den Schutz von Tieren zum Zeitpunkt der Tötung implementiert (ANON. 2009). Die Studie schafft Grundlagen um eine automatisierte Methode zu entwickeln, welche die Abwesenheit von Lebenszeichen von Schlachtschweinen verifiziert. Die Hypothese hierbei ist die Annahme, dass Schweine, die auf einen schmerzhaften Reiz wie heißes Wasser mehrere Minuten nach der Entblutung reagieren mit dem Risiko eines zumindest teilweise funktionierenden Gehirns behaftet sind. Die Studie fand an drei kommerziellen Schlachthöfen in Deutschland statt, die verschiedene elektrische Betäubungs- (Kopf-zu-Herz-Durchströmung) und Stechverfahren verwendeten. Insgesamt wurden am Schlachtband 5.301 Mastschweine im Hauptversuch untersucht und mittels Videokameras aufgezeichnet. Um die Abwesenheit von Lebenszeichen am Ende der Nachentblutestrecke, das heißt vier bis fünf Minuten nach Entblutestich, zu überprüfen wurde ein Heißwasser-Reiz mit 65 °C verwendet. Die Dauer der Reizapplikation betrug fünf bzw. 15 Sekunden. Eine automatisierte Reizapplikations-Anlage, erbaut von der Firma BANSS Schlacht- und Fördertechnik GmbH (Biedenkopf), induzierte den Stimulus vor allem im Bereich des Gesichts der Schweine. Als Referenz zu den Beobachtungen der Bewegungen während der Reiz-Applikation wurden Gehirnnerven-Reflexe (Corneal- und Lidschlussreflexe) und Reaktionen auf einen Kniff in die Nasenscheidewand klinisch untersucht. Schweine mit positiven Befunden wurden mittels Bolzenschuss nachbetäubt bzw. getötet. Die Sensitivität des Heißwasser-Tests lag bei 99 %. Eines von 75 Tieren wies positive Corneal- und Lidschlussreflexe auf, obwohl dieses Schwein auf den Heißwasser-Reiz nicht reagiert hatte. Jedoch konnten deutlich erkennbare Spontanbewegungen jenes Tieres bereits vorher beobachtet werden. Die Spezifität des Heißwasser-Tests lag bei 98 %. Beinah jedes Schwein mit negativen Gehirnnerven-Befunden blieb während der Reizapplikation unauffällig. 3,8 % (n = 199) der untersuchten Schweine zeigten eine Reaktion auf den Heißwasser-Reiz. Es war kein Unterschied zwischen dem fünf bzw. 15 Sekunden anhaltendem Reiz zu ermitteln. Neben einer ineffizienten Entblutung kann die reversible Betäubung als ein weiterer möglicher Grund für dieses Ergebnis genannt werden. Die Elektrische Betäubung ist reversibel, solange kein Herzkammerflimmern sicher ausgelöst wird (HOENDERKEN et al. 1980 und VOGEL et al. 2010). Es kann geschlussfolgert werden, dass die elektrische Kopf-zu-Herz-Durchströmung, die in den hier dargestellten Schlachtbetrieben verwendet wurde, nicht immer zum Herzkammerflimmern geführt hatte. Die Anzahl der Reaktionen der Schweine auf das heiße Wasser war begrenzt. 92 % der Schweine, die den Kopf während der Reizapplikation geschüttelt hatten und 78 % derer, die eine aufrichtende Bewegung gezeigt hatten, wiesen mindestens einen positiven Gehirnnerven-Befund auf. Auffälligkeiten in den Vordergliedmaßen korrelierten zu 59 % und das Muster “Maul öffnen” zu 52 % mit positiven Gehirnnerven-Befunden. Bewegungen aus dem Becken bzw. den Hintergliedmaße heraus waren nur zu 21 % mit positiven Gehirnnerven-Befunden verbunden. Bei der Betrachtung der Bewegungsmusterkombinationen stellte die Autorin fest, dass nahezu keine Reaktion missachtet werden sollte. Lediglich das Muster „ausschließliche Bewegungen Becken/Hintergliedmaße“ korrelierte in keinem der 59 Fälle mit positiven Gehirnnerven-Befunden. Dieses Ergebnis deckt sich mit den Aussagen von GRANDIN (2013) und den Mitarbeitern des bsi Schwarzenbek (ANON. 2013a), die darauf hinwiesen, dass der caudale Körperabschnitt elektrisch betäubter Schlachtschweine zur Einschätzung ihres möglicherweise vorhandenen Bewusstseins keine Relevanz besitzt. Während der Untersuchungen wurden außerdem Spontanbewegungen der Schlachtschweine zwischen dem Stechen und dem Heißwasser-Test analysiert. Jedes Tier, das eine Reaktion auf die Heißwasser-Reiz-Applikation zeigte und mindestens einen positiven Befund in der Gehirnnerven-Untersuchung aufwies, hatte vorher das Spontanbewegungsmuster „Maul öffnen“ durchgeführt. Um dem Überwachungs- und Schlachthofpersonal zu vermitteln, welche Spontan-bewegungsmuster bzw. reizinduzierten Reaktionen bei der Beobachtung der Nachentblutestrecke entscheidend sind, wurden entsprechende Arbeitsanweisungen entwickelt. Bereits vorhandene Literatur wurde hierbei mit eingearbeitet (ANIL 1991, ATKINSON et al. 2012 und EFSA 2013). Als eine wirksame Lösung um den sicheren Tod von Schweinen vor weiteren Schlachtarbeiten sicherzustellen, scheint es sinnvoll entsprechende Spontanbewegungen zu beachten und die Implementierung einer abschließenden Untersuchung mittels eines Heißwasser-Reiz-Tests am Ende der Nachentblutestrecke zu verwirklichen. Selbstverständlich sollten weiterhin die Betäubung und Entblutung der Tiere möglichst sicher kontrolliert werden. Für die Nachbetäubung bzw. Tötung der betroffenen Schweine wird der Einsatz eines Bolzenschussgerätes von der EFSA (2004), dem bsi Schwarzenbek und dem Max Rubner-Institut empfohlen
Modern slaughter regimes carry a risk of live animals being further processed (SCHÜTTE and BOSTELMANN 2001, TROEGER 2005 and TROEGER and MEILER 2006). This serious animal welfare problem may result from inefficient stunning and/or lack of complete and fast exsanguination of the pigs. In 2009, the European Commission implemented Council Regulation (EC) No. 1099/2009 on the protection of animals at the time of killing (ANON. 2009). The study lays groundwork for developing an automated method to verify the absence of signs of life in slaughter pigs. The hypothesis is that pigs that react to a painful stimulus, like hot water, several minutes after debleeding have the risk of a partly functional brains. The study took place at three commercial abattoirs in Germany using different electrical stunning (head-to-body) and bleeding methods. In the main part of the study a total of 5,301 finishing pigs was examined and videotaped on line. As a stimulus to check the absence of signs of life right before further processing, namely four to five minutes after sticking, a hot-water-stimulus at 65 °C was utilized. The residence time of the stimulus amounted either five or 15 seconds. An automated construction, built by the company BANSS Schlacht- und Fördertechnik GmbH (Biedenkopf/Germany), implemented the stimulus mainly within the faces of the pigs. As a reference to the observation of movements during the stimulation, brain stem reflexes (corneal and palpebral) and reactions to a nasal septum pinch were clinically examined. Pigs with any positive result were restunned or killed using a captive bolt device. The sensitivity of the hot-water-test was determined at 99 %. One out of 75 animals exhibited positive corneal- and palpebral-reflexes although this one pig did not show any reaction to the hot water stimulation. However, obvious spontaneous movements of this animal could be observed beforehand. The specificity of the hot-water-test was determined at 98 %. Almost every pig with negative brain stem results remained motionless during the stimulation. A share of 3.8 % (n = 199) of pigs showed movements during the hot water exposure. Es war kein Unterschied zwischen dem fünf bzw. 15 Sekunden anhaltendem Reiz zu ermitteln. No difference was estimated between the residence times of five versus 15 seconds. Besides inefficient bleeding one possible reason for this result is reversible stunning. Electrical stunning is reversible, unless effective cardiac arrest is caused (HOENDERKEN et al. 1980 and VOGEL et al. 2010). It may be assumed that after head-to-body electrical stunning used by the abattoirs displayed in this study cardiac arrest was not always achieved. The number of individual responses was limited. 92 % of pigs that shook their heads during the stimulation and 78 % that showed a righting reflex exhibited at least one positive brain stem result. Noticeable front leg activity correlated to 59 % and the movement “opening of the mouth” to 52 % with positive brain stem results. Hips or hind leg movements were only associated with positive brain stem results in 21 % of the cases. By looking at the combinations of movements the author found that nearly no reaction should be ignored. Merely exclusive hips or hind leg movements in none of the 59 cases correlated with brain stem results. This finding is supported by the statements made by GRANDIN (2013) and the staff of the bsi Schwarzenbek (ANON. 2013a), pointing out that the caudal body part of electrically stunned slaughter pigs possesses no relevance to evaluating possible consciousness. During the study additionally spontaneous movements of the slaughter pigs were analyzed between sticking and the hot water device. Every animal that eventually showed a reaction to the hot water stimulation and exhibited at least one positive result during the brain stem examination had shown spontaneous mouth opening. Appropriate working instructions for the monitoring personnel and the slaughter staff, in order for them to realize which spontaneous movements or stimulus induced reactions during the observations of the debleeding line are relevant, were designed. For this available expertise has additionally been taken into account (ANIL 1991, ATKINSON et al. 2012 and EFSA 2013). As a suitable solution for ascertaining death before further processing, the idea of paying attention to slaughter pigs that obviously show signs of recovery and the implementation of a “last check” by using a hot water test right before further processing seems reasonable. Of course the stunning and exsanguination should still be safely monitored. The use of a captive bolt device to restun or kill “suspicious” pigs is recommended by the EFSA (2004), the bsi Schwarzenbek and the Max Rubner-Institute

Dissertação de Mestrago Integrado em Medicina Veterinária
A etapa do abate é um dos pontos críticos na gestão da piscicultura, ao induzir stress nos peixes, o que não só afeta o bem-estar animal, como também a qualidade do produto final. No decorrer das investigações relativas à neuroanatomia e neurofisiologia dos peixes, é cada vez mais aceite que, tal como os mamíferos e aves, os peixes também são animais sencientes. Contudo, não são abrangidos pelo regulamento relativo à proteção dos animais no abate. Como tal, a etapa do abate de peixes acaba por ser negligenciada, ao ter pouca ou nenhuma consideração pelo bem-estar animal. O principal objetivo desta dissertação é dar uma visão integrada dos efeitos de diferentes métodos de atordoamento e abate na corvina (Argyrosomus regius), um peixe teleósteo da família Sciaenidae, com crescente utilização na aquacultura. Os métodos estudados foram asfixia por exposição ao ar, termonarcose, eletronarcose, secção medular e iki jime. Foi avaliada a influência destes métodos nas componentes bem-estar animal e qualidade. No que se refere ao bem-estar animal, procedeu-se à avaliação da insensibilização e da resposta fisiológica ao stress, quanto à qualidade foi avaliada a evolução do músculo post mortem (rigor mortis) em associação com a avaliação sensorial do grau frescura. Os resultados revelaram que, o método japonês iki jime foi o único a induzir insensibilização imediata que, por sua vez, apresentou a resposta ao stress mais discreta e melhores resultados em termos de qualidade. Também foi possível apoiar a tese de que a asfixia por exposição ao ar não é uma prática ética, ao induzir uma resposta ao stress grave, o que demonstrou afetar de forma negativa a qualidade, ao acelerar o desenvolvimento do rigor mortis e, por sua vez, a deterioração do músculo. Como complementaridade ao estudo anterior, foi realizado um inquérito por questionário, com o objetivo de avaliar a perceção do consumidor sobre o abate de peixes. Os resultados revelaram que, existe um forte desconhecimento acerca deste domínio, sobretudo no que se refere aos métodos de atordoamento e abate alternativos ao método praticado na pesca tradicional (asfixia por exposição ao ar). Contudo, os resultados revelaram também que, o método de abate a que o peixe for submetido pode influenciar a atitude do cidadão enquanto consumidor, o que pode representar um impacto no mercado. O reforço desta preocupação com o bem-estar dos peixes no abate, para além de promover a adoção de práticas mais éticas, também contribui para melhorar a qualidade, e assim, satisfazer as necessidades das caraterísticas intrínseca e extrínsecas do produto, exigidas por parte do consumidor.
ABSTRACT - Slaughter of meagre (Argyrosomus regius): what is the method that minimizes stress and maximizes quality? The slaughter is one of the important steps in fish farming management, it causes stress on animals and consequently reduces animal welfare as well as the quality of the product. In the course of investigations into the neuroanatomy and neurophysiology of fish, it is becoming more accepted, that like mammals and birds, fish are also sentient animals. However, they are not embraced by animal rights regulations. Therefore, the stage of fish slaughter ends up being neglected, with no consideration for the animal welfare. The main objective of this dissertation is to provide an evaluation of the effects of different stunning and slaughter methods in meagre (Argyrosomus regius), a teleost fish of the Sciaenidae family, with increasing exploration in aquaculture. The methods studied were: asphyxiation by air exposure, thermonarcosis, electronarcosis, medullary section and iki jime. The influence of these methods on animal welfare and quality components was evaluated. With regard to animal welfare, the sensitization and physiological response to stress were evaluated. The quality of the post mortem muscle (rigor mortis) evolution was evaluated in association with the sensory evaluation of the freshness degree. The results showed that the Japanese, iki jime, method was the only one that induced immediate insensitivity, which in turn had a lower stress response and better quality. It was also possible to concluded that asphyxiation by air exposure is not an ethic practice, causing high levels of stress, which negatively affects meat quality by accelerating the process of fish deterioration. As a complement to the previous study, a survey was conducted to assess fish slaughter awareness by fish consumers. The results revealed that fish slaughter is still a fairly unknown subject, especially regarding the alternative methods to the traditional method (asphyxiation by air exposure). However, it revealed that consumers preference can be influence, when they are aware of the different slaughter methods, which can have an impact on the market. Using slaughter methods that take animal welfare in account, will not only reduce the animal stress but also improve fish quality, and thus meeting the needs of the intrinsic and extrinsic characteristics of the product by the consumer.
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The objective of the present study was to verify the application of eletronarcosis in Nile tilapias (Oreochromis niloticus), to obtain a humanitary slaughter and a higher stunning time, keeping the steak characteristics. It was tested the tima of exposition (5, 10, 20 and 30 seconds s) of the fish in different electric currents (1,5 3,0, 4,5 and 6,0 Amperes A) and in two tipes of tension (Alternating current AC and Direct current DC). For this, a total of 184 copies of tilapia weighting 247,08 ± 37,04g and length of 23,93 ± 1,09cm were used. In the first study it was used 128 fish, that were individually stunned, using a tension regulator (VARIAC), in which was connected two aluminum electrodes, that stayed immersed in a plastic box with water and the pre-determined time of exposition were controlled in a manual way. All the fish were filmed and later it was verified through the videos how much time each individual to return the behavioral reflexes (Opercular Rate OR, Swimming SW and Balance BA). The second study analyzed variables corresponding to the cold steak quality, using the quality index method (QIM) and the pH in each 72 hours for 36 days, and the steak color was measured only on day 0. The steaks were obtained from tilapias stunned by eletronarcosis (AC 3 and 6A and DC 3A, with time of exposition of the fish for 30s) and ice was the control method. It was verified significant differences (p < 0,05) in both studies, being the higher stunning time with the use of AC from 3 to 6A for 30s where the final return of spontaneous behaviors was from 179 to 360s to the BA, the OR was the first to be manifested after the stunning, with the time of returning from 37 to 46s and between this there was the swimming return, with time from 140 to 154s. For the analyzed variables of the steak, it was obtained influence on pH due to the interaction time*treatment, which grew over the days of analysis, and reaching level of rejection from day 15, as well as the scores of quality index (QI) parameters, in this it was verified high correlation between the time of storage and QI, with R² between 0,94 and 0,96, but with medium QI different (p < 0,05) to AC 6A. And color did not differ (p < 0,05) between the stunning methods, showing that the eletronarcosis can be applied, using AC from 3 to 6A for 30s, and having time to perform euthanasia between 37 and 46s.
O objetivo do presente estudo foi verificar a aplicação da eletronarcose em tilápias do Nilo (Oreochromis niloticus), para a obtenção de um abate humanitário e o maior tempo de insensibilização possível, mantendo as características do filé. Foram testados o tempo de exposição (5, 10, 20 e 30 segundos s) dos peixes em diferentes correntes elétricas (1,5, 3,0, 4,5 e 6,0 Amperes - A) e em dois tipos de tensão (Corrente Alternada CA e Corrente Contínua CC). Para isso um total de 184 exemplares de tilápia com peso de 247,08 ± 37,04 g e comprimento de 23,93 ± 1,09 cm foram utilizados. No primeiro estudo utilizou-se 128 peixes, que foram insensibilizados individualmente, utilizando um regulador de tensão (VARIAC), no qual estava ligado dois eletrodos de alumínio, que ficaram imersos em uma caixa plástica contendo água, e os tempos de exposição pré-determinados foram controlados de forma manual. Todos os peixes foram filmados e posteriormente verificou-se através dos vídeos quanto tempo cada indivíduo levou para o retorno dos reflexos comportamentais (Batimento Opercular BO, Natação NA e Equilíbrio EQ). Já o segundo estudo analisou variáveis correspondentes a qualidade do filé resfriado, utilizando o método de índice de qualidade (MIQ) e o pH a cada 72 horas por 36 dias, e a coloração do filé foi medida somente no dia 0. Os filés foram obtidos de tilápias insensibilizadas por eletronarcose (CA 3 e 6 A e CC 3 A, com tempos de exposição dos peixes por 30 s) e gelo que foi o método controle. Foram verificadas diferenças significativas (p < 0,05) nos dois estudos, sendo que o maior tempo de insensibilização foi com a utilização da CA de 3 a 6 A por 30 s onde o tempo de retorno dos comportamentos espontâneos final foi de 179 a 360 s para o EQ, já o BO foi o primeiro a ser manifestado após a insensibilização, com tempo de retorno de 37 a 46 s e nesse meio houve o retorno da natação, com tempos de 140 a 154 s. Para as variáveis analisadas do filé, obteve-se influencia no pH devido a interação tempo*tratamento, o qual aumentou com o decorrer dos dias de análise, e atingindo nível de rejeição a partir do dia 15, assim como as pontuações dos parâmetros do índice de qualidade (IQ), nesse verificou-se alta correlação entre tempo de armazenamento e IQ, com R2 entre 0,94 e 0,96, mas com IQ médio diferente (p < 0,05) para CA 6 A. Com a relação a coloração não diferiu (p > 0,05) entre os métodos de insensibilização, mostrando que a eletronarcose pode ser aplicada, utilizando CA de 3 a 6 A por 30 s, e tendo tempo para realizar a eutanásia entre 37 e 46 s.

Slaughter by ventral neck incision (VNI) is performed on some animals without prior stunning in New Zealand and other countries. A single incision with a razor sharp blade is made in the ventral aspect of the neck, sectioning both carotid arteries and jugular veins, though, not the vertebral arteries. There are a number of potential welfare concerns surrounding slaughter by VNI including pain due to the incision, which may lead to distress during the time before loss of consciousness. The aims of this thesis were to identify cortical responses indicative of noxious stimulation due to slaughter by VNI using analysis of the electroencephalogram (EEG) power spectrum and to investigate the effects of non-penetrative captive bolt (NPCB) stunning on these cortical responses. The studies utilised adaptations of a minimal anaesthesia model, which has been validated in a range of mammalian species. Surgical dehorning was used as a validation technique for this methodology in cattle and demonstrated a ‘typical’ EEG response to noxious stimulation. Cattle slaughtered by VNI without prior stunning produced specific responses in the EEG that strongly indicated responses to noxious stimulation. Causation was investigated in cattle where blood flow through the brain remained intact during neck tissue incision (NTI) or the major blood vessels of the neck were isolated and transected independently of other neck tissues (BVT). The response to neck incision in intact animals was principally due to the noxious sensory input due to incision of neck tissues and not mainly as a result of loss of blood flow through the brain. NPCB stunning produced states of cortical activity that were incompatible with the maintenance of sensibility and pain perception. Experimental examination of the time to onset of undoubted insensibility was attempted in cattle subsequent to a pilot study in sheep. The generation of somatosensory-evoked potentials was problematic in cattle. The conclusions of this thesis are that incision of neck tissues during slaughter without prior stunning constitutes a substantial noxious stimulus. Were an animal conscious, this stimulus would be perceived as painful until the onset of hypoxiainduced insensibility. This would represent a significant compromise to animal welfare.

Abstract The 6th edition of this book contains 42 chapters on one biology, ethics, sentience and sustainability; behaviour and welfare concepts; describing, recording and measuring behaviour; learning, cognition and behaviour development; motivation; evolution and optimality; welfare assessment; defence and attack behaviour; finding and acquiring food; body care; locomotion and space occupancy; exploration; spacing behaviour; rest and sleep; general and social behaviour; human-domestic animal interactions; seasonal and reproductive behaviour; sexual behaviour; fetal and parturient behaviour; maternal and neonatal behaviour; juvenile and play behaviour; handling, transport and humane control of domestic animals; stunning and slaughter; welfare and behaviour in relation to disease; different types of abnormal behaviours and the breeding, feeding, housing and welfare of cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, poultry, fishes, deer, camelids, ostriches, furbearing animals, horses, other equids, draught animals, rabbits, dogs, cats and other pets and welfare in a moral world. The book is illustrated with many photographs and includes a much-expanded reference list, an author index and a subject index.

Abstract This chapter discusses welfare issues in animals on the following aspects: euthanasia and humane killing; humane killing in the slaughterhouse; religious slaughter without stunning; gas stunning and killing; low-pressure stunning; stunning and carcass quality; and mass killing for disease control.

Abstract This chapter discusses slaughter procedures with animal-based measures (ABMs), the principles of all types of stunning methods, gas and low atmospheric pressure stunning (LAPS), how to determine insensibility (unconsciousness), welfare issues associated with slaughter without stunning and how to solve animal handling and stunning problems.