Stunning

When animals are killed for food, it is imperative for ethical reasons that the methods used do not inflict pain. To comply with this requirement, animals should be rendered insensible before slaughter. In most instances, except for certain forms of religious slaughter,

insensibility is achieved by stunning the animals prior to slaughter. Stunning can be accomplished using several mechanisms, such as captive bolts, electricity or gas asphyxiation. Regardless of the method utilized, all animals must be stunned and rendered unconscious prior to starting the dressing process. In order to minimize animal stress, proper restraint is required prior to stunning. The most common methods of restraint in large commercial facilities are either ‘Centre-Track’ restrainers or ‘V-Track’ restrainers. In smaller plants, a simple ‘knocking-box’ or chute can be utilized. In these situations, the animal is prevented from moving forwards or backwards and is positioned for subsequent stunning.

The penetrating captive-bolt device is most commonly used for stunning of cattle.

Captive-bolt stunning devices can be powered with powder charges (using blank cartridge) or air pressure (pneumatic type) and are comprised of a firing mechanism (trigger) and a ‘captive bolt’ (a steel rod). While using the captive bolt pistol, it should be ensured that the correct strength of most commonly used for stunning of cattle. Captive-bolt stunning devices can be powered with powder charges (using blank cartridge) or air pressure (pneumatic type) and are comprised of a firing mechanism (trigger) and a ‘captive bolt’ (a steel rod).