Journal
MEAT SCIENCE
Volume 91, Issue 1, Pages 22-28Publisher
ELSEVIER SCI LTD
DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2011.11.041
Keywords
Calves; Restraining; Neck cutting; Stunning; Neural parameters; Blood parameters
Categories
Funding
- Dutch Ministry for Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality [BO-07-011-038_004]
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Brain and heart activities were measured in 31 veal calves during restraining and rotating followed by neck cutting with or without stunning to evaluate welfare. After neck cutting Correlation Dimension analyses and %power of EEG beta wave fraction decreased gradually to lower values resulting in an induction of unconsciousness lasting on average 80 s. Corneal reflex response ceased 135 +/- 57 s after neck cutting. The CD scores and the %power of beta waves fell immediately after post-cut captive bolt and pre-cut electrical stunning to levels indicating unconsciousness. Heart rate in lairage increased upon entrance to the restrainer and again after rotation, heart rate variability decreased. Rotating the restrainer 90 degrees, 120 degrees or 180 degrees compromised veal calf welfare and should be avoided. It is recommended to use post-cut captive bolt stunning or pre-cut electrical stunning inducing immediate unconsciousness. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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