Method and device for stunning an animal for slaughter

Abstract

A method of stunning an animal for slaughter includes the steps of providing the animal for slaughter; conveying the animal using conveying means; while conveying, causing a first current pulse having a maximum duration of 10 seconds to flow through the head and / or neck region of the animal to stun the animal; and, while conveying, causing a second current pulse to flow through the body of the animal to cause a cardiac arrest. The first and second current pulses may be applied successively or may be overlapping or partly overlapping.

Description

The invention relates to the stunning of an animal for slaughtering, for instance a pig.It is generally known that electricity is a very suitable means of stunning an animal for slaughter.BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe invention relates to a method for stunning an animal for slaughter, e.g. a pig, comprising the steps of:(a) providing the animal for slaughter;(b) conveying said animal by means of conveying means in the direction of stunning means;(c) causing a first current pulse to flow through the neck- and / or head-region of said animal for slaughter to stun said animal; and(d) causing a second current pulse to flow through the body of the animal for slaughter to cause a cardiac arrest.Also the invention relates to a device for stunning an animal for slaughter, for instance a pig, for application of the method specified herein above, said device comprising;(a) conveying means for conveying an animal for slaughter;(b) at least one first electrode to be pressed against t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention has for its object to provide a method and associated device with which an animal for slaughter can be rapidly stunned using simple means, wherein needless suffering is prevented and the quality of the meat is not adversely affected. In addition to achieving effective stunning it is important that the animal remains substantially still after the treatment. This is important in respect of the subsequent treatment which, in accordance with a normal procedure, consists of arranging a chain around one of the hind legs, suspending from the conveyor and subsequently piercing the carotid artery to kill the animal.

Use of the method according to the invention can very effectively prevent the animal displaying so-called "clonic spasms" and the animal remains virtually motionless while stunning is nonetheless complete.

A method in which these frequencies are the same as the mains frequency has the advantage of easy availability.

While the use of a relatively high voltage can achieve a good stunning, internal bleeding could occur as a side-effect which could adversely affect the quality of the meat. A relatively low voltage for the first and the second current pulses is therefore the objective. In order to further the quality of the stunning, however, the device according to the invention is characterized in a variant by means for lowering the transition resistance between the electrodes and the animal. This ensures that at a determined voltage a desired strength of current can be obtained.

In a simple yet effective embodiment, the device is characterized in that said first and second carriages are coupled for simultaneous reciprocating movement along said conveyor.

Problems solved by technology

While the use of a relatively high voltage can achieve a good stunning, internal bleeding could occur as a side-effect which could adversely affect the quality of the meat.

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