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Nielsen SS, Alvarez J, Bicout DJ, Calistri P, Canali E, Drewe JA, Garin-Bastuji B, Gonzales Rojas JL, Gortázar C, Herskin MS, Miranda Chueca MÁ, Padalino B, Roberts HC, Spoolder H, Stahl K, Velarde A, Winckler C, Viltrop A, Martin J, Raj M, Vyssotski A, Van der Stede Y, Vitali M, Manakidou A, Michel V. The use of high expansion foam for stunning and killing pigs and poultry. EFSA J 2024; 22:e8855. [PMID: 39005713 PMCID: PMC11240110 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2024.8855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The EFSA Panel on Animal Health and Welfare (AHAW) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the use of high-expansion foam for stunning and killing pigs and poultry. A dossier was provided by the applicant as the basis for an assessment of the extent to which the method is able to provide a level of animal welfare at least equivalent to that ensured by the currently allowed methods for pigs and poultry. According to legislation, to be approved in the EU, new stunning methods must ensure (1) the absence of pain, distress or suffering until the onset of unconsciousness, and (2) that the animal remains unconscious until death. An ad hoc Working Group set up by EFSA performed the assessment as follows: (1) The data provided were checked against the criteria laid down in the EFSA Guidance (EFSA, 2018), and was found to partially fulfil those criteria; (2) extensive literature search; (3) data extraction for quantitative assessment; (4) qualitative exercise based on non-formal expert elicitation. The assessment led to conclude that it is more likely than not (certainty > 50%-100%) that high-expansion foam for stunning and killing pigs and poultry, named NEFS in container (Nitrogen Expansion Foam Stunning in container), provides a level of welfare at least equivalent to one or more of the currently allowed methods listed in Annex I of Council Regulation (EC) No 1099/2009. The overall assessment of EFSA is valid only under the technical conditions described in this Opinion for laying hens, broiler chickens of all age and pigs weighing 15-41 kg in situations other than slaughter. The overall assessment of EFSA is that NEFS can be suitable for depopulation using containers for pig and poultry farms respecting the technical conditions and the categories and types of animals defined in this Scientific Opinion.
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Li M, Yang L, Liu Y, Shang Z, Wan H. Dynamic temporal neural patterns based on multichannel LFPs Identify different brain states during anesthesia in pigeons: comparison of three anesthetics. Med Biol Eng Comput 2024:10.1007/s11517-024-03132-w. [PMID: 38819673 DOI: 10.1007/s11517-024-03132-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Anesthetic-induced brain activity study is crucial in avian cognitive-, consciousness-, and sleep-related research. However, the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the generation of brain rhythms and specific connectivity of birds during anesthesia are poorly understood. Although different kinds of anesthetics can be used to induce an anesthesia state, a comparison study of these drugs focusing on the neural pattern evolution during anesthesia is lacking. Here, we recorded local field potentials (LFPs) using a multi-channel micro-electrode array inserted into the nidopallium caudolateral (NCL) of adult pigeons (Columba livia) anesthetized with chloral hydrate, pelltobarbitalum natricum or urethane. Power spectral density (PSD) and functional connectivity analyses were used to measure the dynamic temporal neural patterns in NCL during anesthesia. Neural decoding analysis was adopted to calculate the probability of the pigeon's brain state and the kind of injected anesthetic. In the NCL during anesthesia, we found elevated power activity and functional connectivity at low-frequency bands and depressed power activity and connectivity at high-frequency bands. Decoding results based on the spectral and functional connectivity features indicated that the pigeon's brain states during anesthesia and the injected anesthetics can be effectively decoded. These findings provide an important foundation for future investigations on how different anesthetics induce the generation of specific neural patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Li
- School of Electrical and Information Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Brain-Computer Interface Technology, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Lifang Yang
- School of Electrical and Information Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Brain-Computer Interface Technology, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Yuhuai Liu
- School of Electrical and Information Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
- National Center for International Joint Research of Electronic Materials and Systems, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
- International Joint Laboratory of Electronic Materials and Systems of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
| | - Zhigang Shang
- School of Electrical and Information Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
- Henan Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Brain-Computer Interface Technology, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
- Institute of Medical Engineering Technology and Data Mining, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
| | - Hong Wan
- School of Electrical and Information Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
- Henan Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Brain-Computer Interface Technology, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
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Rucinque DS, Velarde A, Xercavins A, Varvaró-Porter A, Gibson TJ, Michel V, Contreras-Jodar A. Alternatives to Carbon Dioxide in Two Phases for the Improvement of Broiler Chickens' Welfare during Stunning. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:486. [PMID: 38338133 PMCID: PMC10854911 DOI: 10.3390/ani14030486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
This study evaluated the exposure to gas mixtures of carbon dioxide (CO2) associated with nitrogen (N2) as alternatives to CO2 in two phases to improve the welfare of broiler chickens at slaughter. Broilers were exposed to one of three treatments: 40C90C (1st phase: <40% CO2 for 2 min; 2nd phase: >90% CO2 and <2% O2 for 2 min, n = 92), 40C60N (40% CO2, 60% N2, and <2% O2 for 4 min, n = 79), or 20C80N (20% CO2, 80% N2, and <2% O2 for 4 min, n = 72). Brain activity (EEG) was assessed to determine the onset of loss of consciousness (LOC) and death. Behavioural assessment allowed for characterisation of an aversive response to the treatments and confirmed loss of posture (LOP) and motionlessness as behavioural proxies of LOC and brain death in 40C60N and 20N80C. However, the lack of quality of the EEG traces obtained in 40C90C did not allow us to determine the onset of LOC and brain death for this treatment. The onset of LOC in 40C60N was found at 19 s [14-30 s] and in 20C80N at 21 s [16-37 s], whereas a LOP was seen at 53 s [26-156 s] in 40C90C. Birds showed brain death in 40C60N at 64 s [43-108 s] and in 20C80N at 70 s [45-88 s]), while they became motionless in 40C90C at 177 s [89-212 s]. The 40C90C birds not only experienced more events of aversive behaviours related to mucosal irritation, dyspnoea, and breathlessness during induction to unconsciousness but were at risk of remaining conscious when the CO2 concentration was increased in the 2nd phase (known to cause severe pain). From an animal welfare point of view, 40C60N proved to be the least aversive of the three treatments tested, followed by 20C80N and 40C90C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Santiago Rucinque
- Animal Welfare Program, Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA), 17121 Monells, Spain; (D.S.R.); (A.V.); (A.X.); (A.V.-P.)
| | - Antonio Velarde
- Animal Welfare Program, Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA), 17121 Monells, Spain; (D.S.R.); (A.V.); (A.X.); (A.V.-P.)
| | - Aida Xercavins
- Animal Welfare Program, Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA), 17121 Monells, Spain; (D.S.R.); (A.V.); (A.X.); (A.V.-P.)
| | - Aranzazu Varvaró-Porter
- Animal Welfare Program, Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA), 17121 Monells, Spain; (D.S.R.); (A.V.); (A.X.); (A.V.-P.)
| | - Troy John Gibson
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK;
| | - Virginie Michel
- Direction of Strategy and Programmes, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES), 14 Rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 94701 Maisons-Alfort, France;
| | - Alexandra Contreras-Jodar
- Animal Welfare Program, Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA), 17121 Monells, Spain; (D.S.R.); (A.V.); (A.X.); (A.V.-P.)
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Rucinque DS, van de Vis H, Reimert H, Roth B, Foss A, Taconeli CA, Gerritzen M. Pre-Slaughter Stunning of Farmed Atlantic Halibut in CO 2-Saturated Seawater: Assessment of Unconsciousness by Electroencephalography (EEG). Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:1993. [PMID: 37370503 DOI: 10.3390/ani13121993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
As fish welfare becomes a growing concern, it is important to ensure humane treatment during slaughter. This study aimed to assess the onset of unconsciousness in Atlantic halibut immersed in CO2-saturated seawater through electroencephalography (EEG). Of the 29 fish studied, 10 exhibited escape attempts, indicating aversion to CO2-saturated water despite its oxygenation. EEG signals showed four distinct phases: transitional, excitation (high amplitude-high frequency), suppressed, and iso-electric phases. The onset of the suppressed phase, indicative of unconsciousness, occurred on average 258.8 ± 46.2 s after immersion. The spectral analysis of the EEG signals showed a progressive decrease in median frequency, spectral edge frequency, and high frequency contribution, which corresponded to the gradual loss of consciousness. The study concludes that CO2-saturated water is not recommended for pre-slaughter handling of halibut due to the extended time required for the onset of unconsciousness and the observed aversive behaviour. Ensuring humane treatment during slaughter is important for addressing public concern and safeguarding fish welfare in all stages of production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Santiago Rucinque
- Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Laboratório de Aquicultura, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Duque de Caxias Norte 222, São Paulo 13635-900, Brazil
| | - Hans van de Vis
- Wageningen Livestock Research, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Henny Reimert
- Wageningen Livestock Research, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Bjørn Roth
- Department of Processing Technology, Nofima, 4068 Stavanger, Norway
| | - Atle Foss
- Akvaplan-niva, Fram Centre, 9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | | | - Marien Gerritzen
- Wageningen Livestock Research, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, The Netherlands
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Simancas-Racines A, Cadena-Ullauri S, Guevara-Ramírez P, Zambrano AK, Simancas-Racines D. Avian Influenza: Strategies to Manage an Outbreak. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12040610. [PMID: 37111496 PMCID: PMC10145843 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12040610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Avian influenza (AI) is a contagious disease among the poultry population with high avian mortality, which generates significant economic losses and elevated costs for disease control and outbreak eradication. AI is caused by an RNA virus part of the Orthomyxoviridae family; however, only Influenzavirus A is capable of infecting birds. AI pathogenicity is based on the lethality, signs, and molecular characteristics of the virus. Low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) virus has a low mortality rate and ability to infect, whereas the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus can cross respiratory and intestinal barriers, diffuse to the blood, damage all tissues of the bird, and has a high mortality rate. Nowadays, avian influenza is a global public health concern due to its zoonotic potential. Wild waterfowl is the natural reservoir of AI viruses, and the oral-fecal path is the main transmission route between birds. Similarly, transmission to other species generally occurs after virus circulation in densely populated infected avian species, indicating that AI viruses can adapt to promote the spread. Moreover, HPAI is a notifiable animal disease; therefore, all countries must report infections to the health authorities. Regarding laboratory diagnoses, the presence of influenza virus type A can be identified by agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID), enzyme immunoassay (EIA), immunofluorescence assays, and enzyme-linked immunoadsorption assay (ELISAs). Furthermore, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction is used for viral RNA detection and is considered the gold standard for the management of suspect and confirmed cases of AI. If there is suspicion of a case, epidemiological surveillance protocols must be initiated until a definitive diagnosis is obtained. Moreover, if there is a confirmed case, containment actions should be prompt and strict precautions must be taken when handling infected poultry cases or infected materials. The containment measures for confirmed cases include the sanitary slaughter of infected poultry using methods such as environment saturation with CO2, carbon dioxide foam, and cervical dislocation. For disposal, burial, and incineration, protocols should be followed. Lastly, disinfection of affected poultry farms must be carried out. The present review aims to provide an overview of the avian influenza virus, strategies for its management, the challenges an outbreak can generate, and recommendations for informed decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison Simancas-Racines
- Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias y Recursos Naturales, Carrera de Medicina Veterinaria Universidad Técnica de Cotopaxi, Latacunga 050108, Ecuador
- Centro de Investigación Genética y Genómica, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud Eugenio Espejo, Universidad UTE, Quito 170129, Ecuador
- Centro de Investigación de Salud Pública y Epidemiología Clínica (CISPEC), Universidad UTE, Quito 170129, Ecuador
| | - Santiago Cadena-Ullauri
- Centro de Investigación Genética y Genómica, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud Eugenio Espejo, Universidad UTE, Quito 170129, Ecuador
| | - Patricia Guevara-Ramírez
- Centro de Investigación Genética y Genómica, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud Eugenio Espejo, Universidad UTE, Quito 170129, Ecuador
| | - Ana Karina Zambrano
- Centro de Investigación Genética y Genómica, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud Eugenio Espejo, Universidad UTE, Quito 170129, Ecuador
| | - Daniel Simancas-Racines
- Centro de Investigación de Salud Pública y Epidemiología Clínica (CISPEC), Universidad UTE, Quito 170129, Ecuador
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Clarkson JM, Paraskevopoulou A, Martin JE. A decade on: where is the UK poultry industry for emergency on-farm killing? Poult Sci 2023; 102:102604. [PMID: 36958061 PMCID: PMC10041559 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2023.102604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Millions of poultry are farmed intensively every year across the United Kingdom (UK) to produce both meat and eggs. There are inevitable situations that require birds to be emergency killed on farm to alleviate pain and suffering. In Europe and the UK, emergency methods are regulated by the European Council Regulation (EC) No. 1099/2009 and The Welfare of Animals at the Time of Killing Regulations (England 2015; Scotland 2012; Wales and Northern Ireland 2014). Cervical dislocation has been reported to be the most widely used method prior to these legislative changes which took place from 1 January 2013. Based on limited scientific evidence and concern for bird welfare, these legislative changes incorporated restrictions based on bird weight for both manual (≤3 kg) and mechanical (≤5 kg) cervical dislocation, and introduced an upper limit in the number of applications for manual cervical dislocation (up to 70 birds per person per day). Furthermore, it removed methods which showed evidence of crushing injury to the neck. However, since legal reform new scientific evidence surrounding the welfare consequences of cervical dislocation and the development of novel methods for killing poultry in small numbers on farm have become available. Whether the UK poultry industry have adopted these novel methods, and whether legislative reform resulted in a change in the use of cervical dislocation in the UK remains unknown. Responses from 215 respondents working across the UK poultry industry were obtained. Despite legal reform, manual cervical dislocation remains the most prevalent method used across the UK for killing poultry on farm (used by 100% of farms) and remains the preferred method amongst respondents (81.9%). The use of alternative methods such as Livetec Nex® and captive bolt guns were available to less than half of individuals and were not frequently employed for broilers and laying hens. Our data suggests there is a lack of a clear alternative to manual cervical dislocation for individuals working with larger species and a lack of gold standard methodology. This risks bird welfare at killing and contributes to inconsistency across the industry. We suggest providing stakeholders with practical alternatives prior to imposing legislative changes and effective knowledge transfer between the scientific community and stakeholders to promote positive change and protect bird welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine M Clarkson
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom; School for Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Alexandra Paraskevopoulou
- School for Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Jessica E Martin
- School for Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom; The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and The Roslin Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
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Description of electroencephalographic data gathered using water-based medium-expansion foam as a depopulation method for nursery pigs. Sci Rep 2022; 12:16798. [PMID: 36207428 PMCID: PMC9546833 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-21353-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The United States' swine industry is under constant threat of foreign animal diseases, which may emerge without warning due to the globalized transportation networks moving people, animals, and products. Therefore, having disease control and elimination protocols in place prior to pathogen introduction is paramount for business continuity and economic recovery. During extraordinary circumstances, it may become necessary to depopulate large populations of animals, including swine, as a disease containment measure. Currently approved depopulation methods for swine present significant logistical challenges when scaled to large populations or performed in field conditions. In the United States, water-based foam is currently approved for poultry depopulation, and recent field studies demonstrate water-based foam is an effective depopulation alternative for swine. While effective, the speed at which water-based foam induces loss of consciousness prior to death, a major welfare consideration, has not been adequately investigated. In this study, 12 nursery pigs were terminated using water-based medium-expansion foam to quantify the time to induce loss of consciousness and ultimately brain death. Each pig was implanted with subdermal electrodes to capture electroencephalographic data, placed in a body sling, and suspended in a plastic bulk container that was subsequently filled with water-based foam. Electroencephalographic data was recorded for 15 min, during which the pigs remained immersed in the water-based foam. Conservatively, average (± SD) time to unconsciousness and brain death was 1 min, 53 s ± 36 s and 3 min, 3 s ± 56 s, respectively. The relatively rapid loss of consciousness compared to other methods limits the amount of distress and is overall a positive finding for the welfare of the pigs that might be depopulated with water-based foam. The findings of this study add additional evidence supporting the use of water-based medium-expansion foam for an emergency depopulation of swine.
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Boyal R, Buhr R, Harris C, Jacobs L, Bourassa D. Evaluation of mechanical cervical dislocation, captive bolt, carbon dioxide, and electrical methods for individual on-farm euthanasia of broiler breeders. Poult Sci 2022; 101:102000. [PMID: 35901644 PMCID: PMC9334341 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2022.102000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Efficacious euthanasia by applying manual cervical dislocation can be difficult on large and mature poultry. The challenge with using manual cervical dislocation is that the strength required to hold heavy poultry and swiftly apply cervical dislocation can be physically impossible for most people. Therefore, alternative methods of euthanasia are needed for mature and large poultry. Mechanical cervical dislocation using the Koechner Euthanizing Device (KED), captive bolt using the Turkey Euthanasia Device (TED), carbon dioxide (CO2), and electrical euthanasia were evaluated for use on 65-wk-old broiler breeders at flock termination. Following application of each method, physiological reflexes including the eye nictitating membrane reflex, mouth gaping, and body movement, broken skin, blood loss, kill success, time to cessation of heartbeat, and blood plasma corticosterone levels were assessed. Birds euthanized using the KED had longer response durations for eye nictitating membrane (91 s) and reflexive mouth gaping (161 s) compared to TED, CO2, and electrical euthanasia (0–7 s). Body movement durations were also longer for KED (214 s) and TED (209 s) than for CO2 and electrical euthanasia (0–8 s). The highest percentages of broken skin (93%) and blood loss (96%) were observed for TED, followed by KED (71%, 68%), then CO2 (0%, 6%) and electrical euthanasia (0%, 3%). No significant differences (P = 0.1781) were observed for kill success rates with 98% for KED, 100% for TED, 97% for CO2, and 100% for electrical euthanasia at 4-min. Time to heartbeat cessation did not differ between KED (659 s), TED (427 s), or CO2 (583 s) euthanasia methods. No heartbeat was detected following electrical euthanasia. Blood plasma corticosterone levels did not differ between preeuthanasia or posteuthanasia from any of the methods applied. Based on these results each euthanasia method is acceptable for use with broiler breeders.
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Jacobs L, Bourassa DV, Boyal RS, Harris CE, Bartenfeld Josselson LN, Campbell A, Anderson G, Buhr RJ. Animal welfare assessment of on-farm euthanasia methods for individual, heavy turkeys. Poult Sci 2021; 100:100812. [PMID: 33518334 PMCID: PMC7936121 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2020.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
On-farm euthanasia of poultry, including turkeys, may not be possible for most people as birds gain weight; thus alternative mechanical methods have been developed. Our objective was to compare mechanical cervical dislocation with the Koechner Euthanizing Device (KED), captive bolt euthanasia with the Turkey Euthanasia Device (TED), head-only CO2 euthanasia (CO2), and electric euthanasia as potential humane methods for euthanizing individual, heavy turkeys. We assessed their impact on loss of brain stem reflexes, acute distress (corticosterone, CORT), kill success, torn skin, and blood loss. Turkeys (n = 174) were euthanized on 3 sampling days, while birds were restrained using a mobile bird euthanasia apparatus. Brain stem reflexes recorded were the cessation and return of induced nictitating membrane reflex (loss of consciousness and brain stem dysfunction), mouth gaping reflex (brain stem dysfunction), and musculoskeletal movements (spinal cord dysfunction). Overall, KED resulted in more frequent (at 4 min: KED 7 of 14; electric 0 of 13; TED 0 of 11; CO2 2 of 14 birds on day 1) and longer durations of the induced nictitating reflex compared to the other methods (means of day 2 and 3: KED 233; electric 15; TED 15; CO2 15 s). The mouth gaping reflex endured the longest after KED euthanasia (means of day 2 and 3: KED 197; electric 15; TED 51; CO2 15 s). Musculoskeletal movements endured longest after KED euthanasia (means of day 2 and 3: KED 235; electric 15; TED 219; CO2 15 s). Returning reflexes were more frequent after KED and TED compared to CO2 and electric euthanasia, where it was absent. CO2, electric, and TED euthanasia showed comparable kill success (success: CO2 42 out of 43; electric 44 of 45; TED 42 of 44), with KED resulting in most unsuccessful kills (unsuccessful: 8 out of 42). CORT responses were inconsistent. Torn skin and blood loss occurred more frequently after KED and TED compared to CO2 and electric applications. Therefore, we conclude that, based on a comparison of these 4 methods, the most discernibly humane was electric euthanasia, which consistently resulted in quick loss of consciousness within 15 s, no returning reflexes, and no torn skin or blood loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonie Jacobs
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg 24061, USA.
| | | | - Ranjit S Boyal
- Department of Poultry Science, Auburn University, Auburn 36849, USA
| | - Caitlin E Harris
- Poultry Microbiological Safety and Processing Research Unit, U.S. National Poultry Research Center, Richard B. Russell Agricultural Research Center, USDA-ARS, Athens, GA 30605, USA; Department of Poultry Science, The University of Georgia, Athens 30602, USA
| | - L Nicole Bartenfeld Josselson
- Poultry Microbiological Safety and Processing Research Unit, U.S. National Poultry Research Center, Richard B. Russell Agricultural Research Center, USDA-ARS, Athens, GA 30605, USA
| | - Andrew Campbell
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg 24061, USA
| | - Gracie Anderson
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg 24061, USA
| | - R Jeff Buhr
- Poultry Microbiological Safety and Processing Research Unit, U.S. National Poultry Research Center, Richard B. Russell Agricultural Research Center, USDA-ARS, Athens, GA 30605, USA
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Boyal R, Buhr R, Harris C, Jacobs L, Bourassa D. Equipment and methods for poultry euthanasia by a single operator. J APPL POULTRY RES 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.japr.2020.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
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11
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Hernandez E, James F, Torrey S, Widowski T, Schwean-Lardner K, Monteith G, Turner PV. Evaluation of Brain Death in Laying Hens During On-Farm Killing by Cervical Dislocation Methods or Pentobarbital Sodium Injection. Front Vet Sci 2019; 6:297. [PMID: 31552284 PMCID: PMC6733910 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated changes in the electroencephalograph (EEG) power spectrum as well as physiological and behavioral responses to on-farm killing via mechanical cervical dislocation (MCD), manual cervical dislocation (CD) or intravenous pentobarbital sodium administration in lightly anesthetized laying hens, to evaluate the welfare impact of each method. A mixed group of 44 white Leghorn and Smoky Joe laying hens (60 weeks-old) were anesthetized with isoflurane in oxygen and maintained at 1.5–2% isoflurane/O2 until the killing method was applied. Birds were randomly assigned to one of three experimental groups on each trial day. The EEG was recorded bilaterally in a four-electrode montage. After recording a 5-min baseline, the killing method was applied and EEGs and other behavioral and physiological responses, including convulsions, gasping, cessation of body movements and feather erection were recorded for 5 min. Changes in EEG frequency bands (alpha, beta, delta, theta), median frequency (F50), 95% spectral edge frequency (F95), and total power (Ptot) were used to assess the quality of the on-farm killing event. Within 15 s after administration of pentobarbital sodium, there were significant decreases in mean frequency bands, increases in mean F50 and F95, and decreases in Ptot, suggesting brain death. In addition, birds presented a shorter latency to cessation of movement after pentobarbital sodium injection compared to MCD and CD (22 vs. 115 s and 136 s, respectively). There were significant increases in F95 and decreases in Ptot at 120 s after application of CD; and a concomitant decrease in the frequency bands at 135 s and isoelectric EEG at 171 ± 15 s. Changes consistent with brain death after MCD included isoelectric EEG at 207 ± 23 s and a significant decreases in some frequency bands at 300 s post-application. No other significant spectrum frequency changes were observed in the MCD group, suggesting brain death likely occurred near the 5-min endpoint. There was no clear association between behavioral, physiological, and EEG responses within CD and MCD treatments. The data demonstrate that pentobarbital sodium induced a rapid death with minimal behavioral and physiological responses regardless of strain of hens. In comparison, use of CD and MCD resulted in a slow onset of brain death in hens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elein Hernandez
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Fiona James
- Department of Clinical Studies, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Stephanie Torrey
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Tina Widowski
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Karen Schwean-Lardner
- College of Agricultural and Bioresources, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Gabrielle Monteith
- Department of Clinical Studies, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Patricia V Turner
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
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