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Humane euthanasia of neonates I: validation of the effectiveness of the Zephyr EXL non-penetrating captive-bolt euthanasia system on neonate piglets up to 10.9 kg live-weight

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 January 2023

A Grist ,
JC Murrell ,
JL McKinstry ,
TG Knowles  and
SB Wotton
A Grist*
Affiliation:
School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, North Somerset BS40 5DU, UK
JC Murrell
Affiliation:
School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, North Somerset BS40 5DU, UK
JL McKinstry
Affiliation:
School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, North Somerset BS40 5DU, UK
TG Knowles
Affiliation:
School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, North Somerset BS40 5DU, UK
SB Wotton
Affiliation:
School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, North Somerset BS40 5DU, UK
*
* Contact for correspondence and requests for reprints: Andy.Grist@bristol.ac.uk
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Abstract

To determine if mechanical blunt force trauma using a non-penetrating captive bolt was a viable method of producing an immediate stun/kill in neonate piglets (Sus scrofa domesticus) as an alternative to manual blunt force trauma. Piglets (n = 60) were acquired from a local producer and allocated to one of five weight ranges: birth weight to 3 kg (n = 12); 3 to 5 kg (n = 11); 5 to 7 kg (n = 13); 7 to 9 kg (n = 13); and 9 to 11 kg (n = 11). These piglets with an average live-weight of 6.1 kg were anaesthetised and electroencephalogram (EEG) recording electrodes inserted sub-dermally over the right cranium to allow recording of Visual Evoked Potentials (VEPs). Following recording of baseline VEPs in the anaesthetised state, the piglet was shot once in the frontal-parietal position with a Bock Industries Zephyr EXL non-penetrating captive bolt powered by 120 psi air pressure. Movement scoring, behavioural indices of loss of brain function and VEPs were monitored throughout. VEPs were lost immediately in all piglets shot when the head was resting on a hard surface. This experiment demonstrates that mechanical blunt-force trauma, using a single-shot, non-penetrating captive bolt, such as the Zephyr EXL, provides for an immediate stun kill in neonate piglets up to 10.9 kg live-weight. This immediacy of action, combined with reproducible effects will improve the welfare of piglets to be subjected to on-farm euthanasia due to disease, ill-thrift or other commercial concerns.

Keywords

animal welfarecaptive bolteuthanasiamechanical stunningpigletVisual Evoked Potentials
Type
Articles
Information
Animal Welfare , Volume 26 , Issue 1 , February 2017 , pp. 111 - 120
Copyright
© 2017 Universities Federation for Animal Welfare

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