Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 1, 2026

A Contusive Model of Unilateral Cervical Spinal Cord Injury Using the Infinite Horizon Impactor
Published on: July 24, 2012
Pathophysiology of Penetrating Captive Bolt Stunning in Horned and Polled Sheep and Factors Determining Incomplete
Troy John Gibson1, Anne Lisa Ridler2, Georgina Limon3,4
1Animal Welfare Science and Ethics Group, Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK.
Abstract:
Penetrating captive bolt (PCB) is widely used for stunning and on-farm dispatch of livestock, yet its efficacy can vary, with the potential for animal welfare compromise. This study investigated the pathophysiology of PCB-induced trauma in horned and polled sheep (Ovis aries), focusing on factors contributing to incomplete concussion. Thirty-seven (n = 18 horned Scottish blackface and n = 19 polled North Country mule) mature ewes (aged 4-10 years) were shot with PCB with varying cartridge power and PCB modifications, followed by clinical assessment and post-mortem analysis using magnetic resonance imagining (MRI) and gross pathology. The results indicated that damage to the reticular activating system, bolt velocity and penetration depth are crucial for inducing irreversible unconsciousness, with depths less than 37 mm often resulting in incomplete concussion. MRI provided detailed insights into brain injuries, aligning well with gross pathological findings. This study highlights the importance of precise bolt placement and appropriate PCB configurations in ensuring humane outcomes, with MRI proving to be a valuable tool for assessing brain trauma in stunned animals. These findings enhance the understanding of effective stunning techniques and support improved welfare practices in livestock management.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Amyloid Fibrils
Amyloid deposits were observed as early as 1639 in the liver and the spleen. In 1854, Rudolph Virchow performed iodine staining, normally used to...
Mechanism of Cardiac Arrhythmias
Seizures: Classification
Seizures are typically classified into two main categories: focal and generalized seizures.
Focal Seizures
Focal seizures originate from specific regions of the brain. These seizures are further sub-classified into two types:
Disturbances in Heart Rhythm
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology
Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology

