Comparing various euthanasia devices and methods on 8 and 12-week-old turkey hens.

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Veterinary Medicine
• Animal Welfare

Background:

• On-farm euthanasia is crucial for poultry disease control and welfare.
• Existing approved methods vary in on-farm applicability and effectiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy and welfare impact of various on-farm poultry euthanasia methods.
• Evaluate captive bolt devices, mechanical cervical dislocation, and manual cervical dislocation in turkey hens.

Main Methods:

• Compared captive bolt devices (Turkey Euthanasia Device, Zephyr-EXL, Jarvis Stunner, Experimental Crossbow), mechanical cervical dislocation (BRM, KED), and manual cervical dislocation (MAN).
• Assessed loss of brain stem reflexes, euthanasia success, skin lacerations, and vertebral damage via radiograph.
• Evaluated physical parameters of each device on 1,400 turkey hens (8 and 12 weeks old).

Main Results:

• All tested methods achieved effective euthanasia.
• Captive bolt devices induced immediate loss of nictitating membrane and pupillary reflexes.
• Manual cervical dislocation (MAN) resulted in less vertebral damage and proper separation compared to mechanical methods.
• Captive bolt devices caused more skin lacerations than dislocation methods.

Conclusions:

• Captive bolt devices appear more humane due to rapid loss of brain stem reflexes.
• Manual cervical dislocation is a viable, less damaging alternative to mechanical methods.
• Method selection should balance efficacy, welfare, and practical on-farm considerations.