Commentary: A Comparison of the Methods of the Pre-Slaughter Stunning of Cattle in Australia-Mechanical, Electrical, and Diathermic Syncope

Abstract

In adult cattle, there are various methods of pre-slaughter stunning, all requiring adequate restraint to ensure the accurate placement of a device to target the brain of the animal and create an unconscious state. For adult cattle, these methods include electrical stunning, mechanical stunning, and a novel system called diathermic syncope (DTS). Peer-reviewed publications, industry reports, government documents, and unpublished reports were considered for inclusion in this review of the attributes of the electrical, mechanical, and diathermic syncope methods of stunning. The parameters for comparison of the methods included Australian approval status, religious compliance, reliability, reversibility, time to effect, duration of effect, carcase damage, cardiovascular effects, logistics, and welfare implications. The pre-slaughter stunning of cattle with DTS is reliable, reversible, non-concussive, non-penetrating, does not cause carcase damage, and has a body of evidence extensive enough to inform appropriate practices in cattle processing facilities. These attributes optimise animal welfare in this context, align with Australian legislative requirements, and suggest that DTS might be a suitable stunning technique for consideration by religious authorities in terms of both halal and kosher slaughter criteria.

Keywords: animal welfare; cattle; slaughter; stunning.