Electrical stunning of cattle and sheep

ELECTRICAL STUNNING OF CATTLE AND SHEEP

    • Not proved entirely satisfactory anaesthesia, due to the insulating effect of the fine hairs on the head of the animal, although continental authorities have found it satisfactory.
    • Proper unconsciousness can be assumed if there is immediate flexion of all four limbs, closing of the eyes followed by extension of the hind limbs in a few seconds.
    • After some 10 seconds this is followed by gradual muscle relaxation and then vague walking movements of the hind limbs.
    • The eyelids are usually opened at this stage and the eyes rotate upwards so that the pupil cannot be seen. 
Last modified: Wednesday, 15 September 2010, 9:19 AM