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Mechanical, Electrical And Anesthetic Stunning Methods For Livestock, Temple Grandin

International Journal for the Study of Animal Problems

A good stunning method must render an animal unable to experience pain and sensation prior to hoisting and slaughter. The three basic types of stunning methods which are classified as being humane (i.e., pain less) in the United States, Europe and other foreign countries are captive bolt (penetrating and nonpenetrating), electrical, and CO₂ (carbon dioxide) gas anesthesia.

The physiological mechanisms of stress are the same before and after the onset of unconsciousness. The release of epinephrine as a result of stress inducers has an effect on the quality of the meat and it is therefore desirable to use a …