Development of a microwave stunning system for cattle 2: Preliminary observations on behavioural responses and EEG.
Res Vet Sci
; 122: 72-80, 2019 Feb.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-30468879
ABSTRACT
DTS Diathermic Syncope® (DTS) is a novel system for rendering animals insensible prior to slaughter, utilizing microwave energy to induce a rise in temperature in the brain to a point at which the animal is expected to lose consciousness. During development and optimisation of the system, two trials were carried out utilizing non-anaesthetized adult cattle, to gather data on behavioural outcomes and EEG changes following energy application. In trial1, ten cattle received DTS treatments (high energy >290â¯kJ, nâ¯=â¯3; low energy <200â¯kJ, nâ¯=â¯4; and intermediate 200â¯<â¯290â¯kJ, nâ¯=â¯3), and seven received captive bolt stunning, prior to exsanguination. In trial 2, following improvements to the efficiency of energy delivery, 20 cattle received DTS (200-360â¯kJ). Post treatment EEG was characterized by seizure-like activity and reductions in 95% spectral edge and median frequencies; with EEG suppression persisting for at least 80â¯s up to over 4â¯min post treatment application. Animals showed Loss of posture, Loss of corneal responses; Loss of withdrawal response (pinprick); Eye staring, not following movement. The animals remained unresponsive to stimuli for up to 4â¯min post DTS, and behavioural expression of distress was not observed. Seventeen of the 30 animals showed indications of returning reflex responses after 100â¯s post treatment, suggesting that animals receiving lower energy applications may recover from the stun.
Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Unconsciousness
/
Animal Welfare
/
Cattle
/
Abattoirs
/
Microwaves
Limits:
Animals
Language:
En
Journal:
Res Vet Sci
Year:
2019
Type:
Article