Slaughter and Dressing Flashcards
what are the two main goals of animal handling before slaughter
animal is free from fear
animal is free from pain
what is the point of fasting the animal before slaughter
-makes evisceration easier
-minimizes chance of cutting viscera and spreading ingest/bacteria
what is the importance of free access to water before slaughter
-facilitates electrical stunning
-easier blood removal
-easier pelt removal
-brightens lean color
humane methods of slaughter act
-sets humane handling and slaughter procedures
-applies to all (non-exempt) state and federal plants
-control use of electrical prods(<50 volts)
-animals can not be dragged unless they are stunned
-animals must have access to water(and feed if they are held for more than 24 hours)
when was the humane methods of slaughter act passed
1978
what is the likely cause if animals refuse to move
poor facility design
what is recoverable stunning used for
Halal. animals head can not be damaged
acceptable methods of stunning
mechanical
chemical
electrical
types of mechanical stunning
-non penetrating concussion style: knocks them out but doesn’t penetrate skull
-penetrating pneumatic stunner: penetrates through thinnest part of skull
-cartridge stunners: powder bullet that fires rod into head
what is the only approved substance for chemically stunning pigs
CO2
effective Co2 stunning levels
at least 70% CO2 at top
at least 90% CO2 at bottome
principles of CO2 stunning
no broken bones
no kicking
stun-to-stick interval less critical
length of unconsciousness related to time in CO2
controversies with CO2 stunning
-low availability of CO2
-it adds CO2 to atmosphere
electrical stunning methods
head only
head-to-back(adds cardiac arrest)
head-to-rib
guidelines for electrical stunning
-wet pigs before stun(not done at rosenthal)
-no hot wants(stunner should be off when it first contacts pig)
-correct electrode position
-do not double stun
-1.25 amps
-duration <3 seconds
