Electrical stunning of fish: the relationship between the electric field strength and water conductivity

Lines, J.A.; Kestin, SC

doi:10.1016/j.aquaculture.2004.07.023

Cited by 36 publications

(14 citation statements)

References 11 publications

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“…According to the present study, there is a significant relationship between fish orientation within the PES and the length of time it takes for the fish to recover. This is contrary to the findings of Lines and Kestin (2004), who investigated stunning for humane slaughter, which may be due to species-specific differences in that they studied salmonids. Furthermore, in their study a change in orientation (i.e., 90 ) represented a fish rotated onto its side but still parallel to the anode, but in our study orientation represents a change in the angle between the fish and the anode.…”

Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 92%

Orientation and Position of Fish Affects Recovery Time from Electrosedation

et al. 2015

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Commercially available electrosedation apparatuses (e.g., the Smith-Root Portable Electroanesthesia System [PES]) are growing in popularity within the fisheries research community. This technology can be used to immobilize fish rapidly and does not require a withdrawal period before fish are released. A number of studies examined how various settings (e.g., duration, frequency, voltage) influence the performance of the PES for fish sedation, but comparatively less is known about the role of fish orientation and position on the efficacy of electrosedation within the PES. We compared recovery times of Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus upon manipulation of three variables: orientation of fish, electric field size (i.e., spacing between the anode and cathode), and fish proximity relative to the anode. Fish were individually exposed to pulsed DC with a standardized frequency (100 Hz), voltage (90 V), and shock duration (3 s). Full recovery time was significantly longer for fish oriented at horizontal angles (0 and 180 ) than at acute angles (45 and 135 ). Significant interactions were found between orientation and electrode spacing, as well as between orientation and fish proximity. These findings are pertinent to researchers in the field looking to optimize recovery time for a quick release after surgery, tagging, or any other time fish sedation is required.

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Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 92%

Orientation and Position of Fish Affects Recovery Time from Electrosedation

et al. 2015

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“…The effectiveness of the stunning depends of the strength of the electric field applied, the density and distribution of fish in the tank. For portion size trout, field strength between 3 and 6 V/cm had to be applied for 30 to 60 sec in order to achieve permanent insensibility (Lines and Kestin, 2004). Fresh water conductivity may vary on a broad scale (20 to 1000 µS/cm) which influences the strength electric field and consequently the efficacy of the stun.…”

Section: Electrical Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Species‐specific welfare aspects of the main systems of stunning and killing of farmed fish: Rainbow Trout

2009

EFS2

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“…Electrical stunning consists of the application of a current through the water and is used for various species. If the chosen electrical parameters are adapted to the species, loss of consciousness may be induced in trout, salmonids and turbot Roth et al, 2003;Van de Vis et al, 2003;Lines and Kestin, 2004). Certain species, such as rainbow trout, gilthead sea bream, sea bass and African catfish, are also commonly asphyxiated in ice or in ice/water slurry (Huidobro et al, 2001;Robb and Kestin, 2002).…”

Section: Farmed Fishmentioning

confidence: 99%

Pre-slaughter conditions, animal stress and welfare: current status and possible future research

Terlouw

Arnould

Aupérin³

et al. 2008

Animal

169

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The present paper describes the main procedures used to slaughter fowl, pigs, calves and adult cattle, sheep, and farmed fish, starting on the farm and ending with the death of the animal at the abattoir. It reviews the currently known causes of stress, indicated by behavioural and physiological measurements on the animal level, and by post-mortem muscle metabolism. During the pre-slaughter period, psychological stress is due to changes of environment, social disturbances and handling, and physical stress is due to food deprivation, climatic conditions, fatigue, and sometimes pain. The exact causes of stress depend, however, on the characteristics of each species, including the rearing system. For fowl, bird catching and crating, duration and climatic conditions of transport and of lairage and shackling are the main known pre-slaughter stress factors. For pigs, stress is caused by fighting during mixing of pens, loading and unloading conditions, and introduction in the restrainer. Handling and novelty of the situation contribute to the stress reactions. For veal calves and adult cattle, disruption of the social group, handling, loading and sometimes unloading conditions, fatigue, novelty of the situation and for calves mixing with unfamiliar animals are known stress factors. Gathering and yarding of extensively reared lambs and sheep causes stress, particularly when shepherd dogs are used. Subsequent transport may induce fatigue, especially if sheep are commercialised through auctions or markets. In farmed fish, stress is predominantly related to environmental aspects such as temperature, oxygen, cleanliness of the water and, to a certain extent, stocking density and removal of the fish from the water. If transport and lairage conditions are good and their durations not too long, they may allow pigs, calves and adult cattle, sheep, and fish to rest. For certain species, it was shown that genetic origin and earlier experience influence reactions to the slaughter procedure. Stunning techniques used depend on the species. Pigs and fowl are mostly electrically or gas-stunned, while most adult cattle are stunned with a captive bolt pistol. Calves and sheep may be electrically stunned or with a captive bolt pistol. Various stunning methods exist for the different farmed fish species. Potential causes of stress associated with the different stunning procedures are discussed. The paper addresses further consequences for meat quality and possible itineraries for future research. For all species, and most urgently for fish, more knowledge is needed on stunning and killing techniques, including gas-stunning techniques, to protect welfare.

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Electrical stunning of fish: the relationship between the electric field strength and water conductivity

Cited by 36 publications

References 11 publications

Orientation and Position of Fish Affects Recovery Time from Electrosedation

Orientation and Position of Fish Affects Recovery Time from Electrosedation

Species‐specific welfare aspects of the main systems of stunning and killing of farmed fish: Rainbow Trout

Pre-slaughter conditions, animal stress and welfare: current status and possible future research

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