J. Anim Sci.
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J. Anim Sci. 1983. 57:628-631.
© 1983 American Society of Animal Science
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Effect of Delayed Bleeding after Captive Bolt Stunning on Heart Activity and Blood Removal in Beef Cattle1

R. J. Vimini, R. A. Field, M. L. Riley and T. R. Varnell

University of Wyoming, Laramie 82071

Abstract

Twenty Good grade bulls and heifers approximately 18 mo of age from the university crossbred beef herd were stunned and monitored for heart rate by radiotelemetry until ventricular activity ceased. The animals ranged in weight from 335 to 470 kg and were stunned with a captive bolt stunner and allotted to different bleeding treatments. Control animals (three bulls and two heifers) were bled immediately by severing the carotid arteries and jugular veins. The other animals were decapitated by severing the atlas joint and removing the head without previously severing the carotid arteries and jugular veins. Time periods after stunning were 0 min (two bulls), 3 min (two bulls and two heifers), 6 min (two bulls and one heifer), 15 min (three heifers with foreshanks removed immediately after stunning) and 15 min (three heifers pithed and foreshanks removed immediately after stunning). Respiration ceased in all animals when they were stunned and did not resume. Duration of heart activity after stunning was greater in animals in which bleeding was delayed than in control animals. Weight of blood removed from animals decreased as the time between stunning and bleeding increased. Heart activity ceased 8 to 10 min after stunning in animals decapitated 15 min after stunning. Therefore, the majority of blood was removed without ventricular pumping.

Footnotes

1 Wyoming Agr. Exp. Sta. Journal Article No. 1200.






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Copyright © 1983 by the American Society of Animal Science.