Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Experiment Videos

[Electrocution of foxes; an ethically acceptable method?].

E Lambooy

    Tijdschrift Voor Diergeneeskunde
    |June 1, 1984
    PubMed
    Summary

    This study evaluates the effectiveness of a specific electrical device used to euthanize foxes. By monitoring brain and heart activity during the process, researchers determined the conditions required to ensure the animals lose consciousness quickly and humanely. The findings indicate that longer application times are necessary for consistent results.

    Related Concept Videos

    You might also read

    Related Articles

    Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

    Sort by
    Same author

    Influence of temperature variation on the metabolism of pig muscle in situ and after excision.

    Meat science·2011
    Same author

    Electrical stunning of veal calves.

    Meat science·2011
    Same author

    Electrical stunning of sheep.

    Meat science·2011
    Same author

    Electrical stimulation during exsanguination: Effects on the prevalence of blood splash and on sensory quality characteristics in veal.

    Meat science·2011
    Same author

    Some aspects of the effectiveness of stunning in sheep by the captive bolt.

    Meat science·2011
    Same author

    Vasopressin and oxytocin in plasma of veal calves, sheep and pigs after high voltage electrical stunning.

    Meat science·2011

    Area of Science:

    • Animal welfare science within electrocution of foxes research
    • Veterinary physiology and neurobiology

    Background:

    No prior work had resolved whether current commercial devices for fox euthanasia consistently induce rapid unconsciousness. That uncertainty drove the need for objective physiological monitoring during standard operating procedures. It was already known that electrical stunning must cause immediate brain inactivity to be considered humane. Prior research has shown that insufficient electrical delivery can lead to incomplete stunning or animal recovery. This gap motivated an examination of the Fox final apparatus in a real-world setting. Researchers required precise data on electrical parameters to assess the reliability of this specific equipment. Previous studies often lacked detailed electroencephalogram recordings during the application of these currents. This investigation provides empirical evidence regarding the physiological responses of animals subjected to this specific method.

    Purpose Of The Study:

    The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the Fox final apparatus as a method for euthanizing foxes. Researchers sought to determine if the device consistently induces rapid unconsciousness in the animals. The investigation was motivated by the need to assess whether current practices meet established ethical standards for animal welfare. A specific problem addressed is the potential for incomplete stunning, which could lead to animal recovery and unnecessary suffering. The team examined the physiological responses of the subjects to identify the conditions required for a reliable outcome. By monitoring brain and heart activity, the authors intended to provide empirical evidence on the performance of the equipment. This work addresses the uncertainty surrounding the reliability of electrical stunning in field conditions. The study ultimately seeks to clarify the parameters necessary for the procedure to be considered effective and humane.

    Keywords:
    euthanasia methodsveterinary physiologycardiac fibrillationepileptiform insult

    Frequently Asked Questions

    The researchers propose that the device induces unconsciousness through a general epileptiform insult. This state is typically accompanied by heart fibrillation, which ensures the process is effective. However, if the electrical application is too brief, the heart may not stop completely, allowing the animal to recover.

    The study utilized an electroencephalogram to monitor brain activity and an electrocardiogram to track heart function. These tools allowed the team to observe the onset of unconsciousness and the status of cardiac activity in twelve subjects during the procedure.

    The authors indicate that a stunning duration of at least three to four seconds is necessary for the method to be effective. This timeframe ensures that cardiac fibrillation is complete, preventing the animals from regaining consciousness after the initial shock.

    Related Experiment Videos

    Main Methods:

    The review approach involved observing the routine operation of the Fox final apparatus in a practical setting. Researchers collected data from forty subjects to determine average current, voltage, and stunning time. A subset of twelve animals underwent detailed physiological monitoring during the procedure. The team recorded brain activity using electroencephalogram traces to identify signs of unconsciousness. Cardiac function was simultaneously tracked via electrocardiogram to assess the status of heart fibrillation. The investigation compared the outcomes of different application durations to evaluate reliability. Statistical analysis was performed on the collected electrical values to establish performance benchmarks. This systematic evaluation provided a clear picture of the device's operational characteristics during standard use.

    Main Results:

    Key findings from the literature indicate that the device operates with an average current of 0.31 amperes and a voltage of 111.2 volts. The initial stunning time observed during routine practice averaged 3.0 seconds across forty subjects. In the physiological monitoring group, the average voltage was 110.0 volts with a current of 0.40 amperes. Ten subjects experienced a general epileptiform insult followed by complete heart fibrillation. Two animals exhibited incomplete cardiac fibrillation and subsequently recovered from the initial shock. These specific individuals required a second application of approximately 3.0 seconds to achieve complete fibrillation. The data suggest that the method is effective when the current is applied for at least 3 to 4 seconds. These results demonstrate the variability in outcomes based on the duration of the electrical delivery.

    Conclusions:

    The authors propose that the investigated apparatus functions as a rapid and efficient tool for euthanasia. Synthesis and implications suggest that consistent delivery of electrical current for three to four seconds remains necessary. The researchers emphasize that shorter durations may result in incomplete cardiac fibrillation and potential animal recovery. These findings highlight the importance of standardized timing to ensure the welfare of the animals involved. The evidence indicates that the device successfully induces unconsciousness when used under the specified temporal conditions. This review of the literature confirms that the method is effective if the operator adheres to the recommended duration. The authors conclude that the current practice meets the criteria for effectiveness provided the electrical application is sufficient. Future applications should prioritize maintaining these specific time intervals to guarantee the intended physiological outcomes.

    The researchers recorded electrical parameters including current, voltage, and stunning time. These measurements provided the quantitative data required to assess the performance of the Fox final apparatus under routine operational conditions.

    The team observed that two animals recovered when the initial stunning was incomplete. These subjects only achieved complete cardiac fibrillation after a second application of the current, which lasted approximately three seconds.

    The authors suggest that the method is quick and effective when current delivery meets the recommended duration. They imply that adherence to these standards is essential for the procedure to be considered an acceptable practice for euthanasia.