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Complete and Partial Aortic Occlusion for the Treatment of Hemorrhagic Shock in Swine
Published on: August 24, 2018
Time to collapse following slaughter without stunning in cattle
N G Gregory1, H R Fielding, M von Wenzlawowicz
1Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK. ngregory@rvc.ac.uk
Meat Science
|April 9, 2010
Summary
Cattle collapse times after halal slaughter were studied. Delayed collapse, especially over 60 seconds, was linked to arterial swelling and false aneurysms in the carotid arteries.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Science
- Animal Physiology
- Slaughterhouse Practices
Background:
- Understanding post-slaughter physiological responses in cattle is crucial for animal welfare and meat quality.
- The halal slaughter method involves a swift carotid artery severance, necessitating examination of immediate physiological consequences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the time to physical collapse in cattle following the halal cut.
- To determine the incidence of arterial swelling and false aneurysms in relation to collapse time.
Main Methods:
- 174 cattle were restrained upright and immediately released after a halal cut.
- Time to physical collapse was recorded.
- Frequencies of arterial swelling and false aneurysms in cephalic and cardiac severed ends were documented.
Main Results:
- 14% of cattle exhibited a transient collapse and recovery before final collapse.
- Average time to final collapse was 20 seconds (±33s).
- Delayed collapse (>60s) was associated with swelling in cephalic carotid artery ends (7% incidence) and false aneurysms in cardiac ends (71% of those collapsing >75s).
Conclusions:
- Delayed physical collapse in cattle post-halal slaughter may indicate underlying vascular abnormalities.
- Arterial swelling and false aneurysms are potential indicators associated with prolonged collapse times.
- Further research into these vascular findings could inform best practices in slaughterhouse procedures.
