Observations on the physiological effects of pithing cattle at slaughter

Leach, T.M.; Wilkins, LJ

doi:10.1016/0309-1740(85)90050-6

Cited by 4 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 5 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…The operator manipulates the pithing tool to destroy brainstem and spinal cord tissue to ensure death. Muscular activity during the pithing process may be quite violent in some animals; therefore, persons conducting this procedure are advised to position themselves out of the reach of flailing legs and feet [ 2 , 22 ].…”

Section: Adjunctive Methods To Assure Death In Unconscious Animalsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Euthanasia of Cattle: Practical Considerations and Application

Shearer

2018

Animals

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Simple SummaryMethods recognized as acceptable for the euthanasia of cattle include overdose of an anesthetic, gunshot and captive bolt. The most common injectable anesthetic agent used for euthanasia is pentobarbital and while it may be the preferred method for euthanasia in sensitive situations, it creates significant challenges for disposal of animal remains. Gunshot and captive bolt are the more common methods used on farms and ranches because they are inexpensive, humane and do not complicate carcass disposal. Firearms must be of the proper caliber and loaded with the proper ammunition. Captive bolt, equipped with a penetrating bolt, is to be used on adult animals, whereas the non-penetrating (mushroom head) bolt should be reserved for use in calves (three months of age or less). In addition to selection of the proper firearm or captive bolt, successful euthanasia requires use of the proper anatomic site and adjunctive steps to assure death. The indicators of unconsciousness and death must be clearly understood and confirmed in all situations involving euthanasia. Tools for the efficient depopulation of a large feedlot, dairy or beef cattle operation as may be required in a national animal health emergency situation have been developed and validated as effective. Finally, the human impact of euthanasia cannot be underestimated. Symptoms of mental illness including depression, grief, sleeplessness and destructive behaviors including alcoholism and drug abuse are not uncommon for those who participate in the euthanasia of animals.AbstractAcceptable methods for the euthanasia of cattle include overdose of an anesthetic, gunshot and captive bolt. The use of anesthetics for euthanasia is costly and complicates carcass disposal. These issues can be avoided by use of a physical method such as gunshot or captive bolt; however, each requires that certain conditions be met to assure an immediate loss of consciousness and death. For example, the caliber of firearm and type of bullet are important considerations when gunshot is used. When captive bolt is used, a penetrating captive bolt loaded with the appropriate powder charge and accompanied by a follow up (adjunctive) step to assure death are required. The success of physical methods also requires careful selection of the anatomic site for entry of a “free bullet” or “bolt” in the case of penetrating captive bolt. Disease eradication plans for animal health emergencies necessitate methods of euthanasia that will facilitate rapid and efficient depopulation of animals while preserving their welfare to the greatest extent possible. A portable pneumatic captive bolt device has been developed and validated as effective for use in mass depopulation scenarios. Finally, while most tend to focus on the technical aspects of euthanasia, it is extremely important that no one forget the human cost for those who may be required to perform the task of euthanasia on a regular basis. Symptoms including depression, grief, sleeplessness and destructive behaviors including alcoholism an...

show abstract

Section: Adjunctive Methods To Assure Death In Unconscious Animalsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Euthanasia of Cattle: Practical Considerations and Application

Shearer

2018

Animals

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…They reside in different environments which comprise freshwater and saltwater. Cultured purebred common carp Cyprinus carpio (10 fishes), tilapia Oreochromis niloticus (9), rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss (10), ayu Plecoglossus altivelis (2), were obtained from local suppliers and maintained ≤ for 2 h in a 60-L water tank filled with well-aerated fresh water. Cultured purebred greenling (Ainame) Hexagrammos otakii (3), red seabream Pagrus major (35)…”

Section: Fishmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The post-decapitation reflex (PDR) in mammals also induces a similar spontaneous ATP-consumption. PDR is presented by rodents and several other animals except for guinea pigs [8,9]. Specifically, in rodents, decapitation leads to a few seconds of body quiescence, followed by a short-lasting convulsion for up to 20 secs.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mechanism of Delayed Convulsion in Fish: The Actions of Norepinephrine in Spinal Cord

Lee¹,

Kominami²,

Ushio³

2021

Fishes

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Cranial spiking (CS) is among the most popular slaughtering methods for delaying the rigor mortis progress of fish muscles. However, it may cause a convulsion (subsequently referred to as delayed convulsion), which undermines the meat quality and taste. This study aimed to elucidate the mechanism underlying the delayed convulsion and examine its influence on ATP consumption. Ten carps, nine tilapias, ten rainbow trouts, two ayus, three greenling, thirty-five red seabreams, two striped jack and two stone flounders underwent CS around the medulla oblongata area, which induced different delayed convulsion profiles specific to each species. To investigate the norepinephrine (NE) actions related to delayed convulsion, 27 red seabreams, a representative fish species that exhibits delayed convulsion, were treated with a monoamine-depleting agent, reserpine, or with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, pargyline, two hours before CS. Spinal cord destruction (SCD) was employed to completely prevent spinal cord functions of the fish in another group. Compared with the control group (CS only), the reserpine, pargyline, and SCD groups showed significantly inhibited delayed convulsion and ATP consumption. This suggests that delayed convulsion is the main ATP-consuming response. Our findings suggest that delayed clonic convulsion in red seabreams is associated with the rapid decrease in spinal cord NE levels, which triggered the rebound motor neuron hyperactivity.

show abstract