Untersuchungen zur Entblutezeit bei Rindern nach Bolzenschußbetäubung

At an abattoir there was investigated the visual detectable atony
and the provoking of reactions in 545 cattles (127 bulls, 150
heifers, 268 cows) in the period between capitive bolt stun and
cutting off of the carpus. In part 1, the complete atony of the
carcass, especially of the tail, was used as the basis for the
cutting off of the carpus, and there was a mild reaction in 9.8%, a
strong reaction in 4.4%. Remarkably, the responsiveness of cows was
high and long lasting as compared with bulls and heifers. With
exception of 2 improper stunned animals, no animal reacted after 5
minutes. In part 2, reactions were provoked with a knife stabing in
the pastern region. The frequency and intensity of reactions
decreased in the course of time and increased ascending in the
order bulls, heifers, cows. After 5 minutes there was only a weak
reaction in one animal. In part 3, the progress of atony every
minute was investigated. In almost all animals complete atony was
achieved in five minutes, and predominantly identifiable at the
tail or by outflowing of ruminal fluid. If an akinesia – as
demanded in the German „Tierschutzschlachtverordnung (TierScHV)“ –
was used as a precondition for the cutting off of the carpus, the
number of animals with reactions greatly increased up to 30.8%. It
is concluded that it is insufficient only to wait for an akinesia
before cutting off of the carpus as the TierSchV demands. It is
recommend to change the original term to „complete atony“ and to
set a time limit of 5 minutes after sticking. The results were
ascertained for bleeding by chest stab. Other bleeding methods
presumably require higher values.