Evaluation of a pneumatically operated captive bolt for stunning/killing broiler chickens

1. Two separate experiments were carried out in this study. In experiment 1, the effectiveness of stunning broilers, as determined from physical responses, with a 6 mm diameter bolt and an air line pressure of 827 kPa, when fired at 90 degrees (perpendicular to the skull) 110 degrees, 120 degrees and 130 degrees (leaning towards beak) was evaluated. 2. In experiment 2, the effects of perpendicular shooting with two bolt diameters (3 and 6 mm) and two air line pressures (620 and 827 kPa) on spontaneous behaviour, electroencephalogram (EEG) and visually evoked potentials (VEPs) were evaluated in broilers. 3. Only the perpendicular shooting was effective in stunning/killing broilers (n= 10) as indicated by the immediate cessation of breathing and loss of neck muscle tension and eye reflexes. Deviations from the perpendicular shooting failed to stun 5 out of 9 broilers. The perpendicular vs non-perpendicular effect was significant. 4. Shooting broilers with a 3 mm bolt at air line pressures of 620 kPa (n=2) or 827 kPa (n=2) failed stun as indicated by the unaltered physical reflexes, EEG and VEPs. Shooting of two broilers with a 6 mm bolt at 620 kPa resulted in effective stunning and a very rapid recovery of consciousness in one bird and death in the other. 5. Captive bolt stunning of broilers with a 6 mm bolt and air line pressure of 827 kPa resulted in an immediate stun leading to death in all 6 broilers tested. In these broilers, a profound EEG suppression and abolition of VEPs occurred immediately after shooting. 6. It is suggested that the appropriate variables for captive bolt stunning of broilers are a minimum of 6 mm bolt diameter driven at an air line pressure of 827 kPa and a penetration depth of 10 mm.