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A review of humaneness of puntilla as a slaughter method

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Abstract

Puntilla is a traditional slaughter method in which a knife is plunged into the back of the neck to sever the spinal cord. The aim is to produce immediate collapse of the animal. Puntilla is not condoned as a stunning method by the World Animal Health Organisation (OIE) because there is concern that the animal could be conscious during and after the neck stab. Nonetheless, it is still used in some developing countries. The effectiveness and humaneness of puntilla followed by neck sticking was examined at two slaughterhouses in Bolivia. Twenty llamas (Lama glama) and 309 cattle were observed during routine puntilla without stunning. The number of neck stabs was recorded, and then brain and spinal functions (rhythmic breathing, palpebral reflex and eyeball rotation) were assessed. In addition, the presence of specific cognitive responses (such as responses to a threat stimulus and noise, as well as to flavours and odours), were also assessed in cattle. Breed, sex, live weight, body condition score and the slaughterman's experience were recorded. Repeat stabbing was needed to penetrate the foramen ovale in 45% of the llamas and two of them attempted to stand following collapse after the initial stab. All llamas showed rhythmic breathing movements at the flank following puntilla and before sticking, and 95% had a positive palpebral reflex at the same time. Twenty-four percent of the cattle needed repeat stabbing. Repeat stabbing was significantly less frequent with experienced slaughtermen, and more frequent in heavyweight animals (> 380 kg). Brain and spinal responses were present in 91% of the cattle following the stabs. When cattle attempted to stand after a neck stab they were more likely to have rhythmic breathing, positive palpebral response and responsiveness to threat, noise and brief air stimulus applied to the face. These findings indicate that it is difficult in practice to penetrate the spinal cord with a single puntilla stab. Some nerve pathways are often functional after the neck stab and therefore it is highly likely that the animals remain conscious in at least some modalities for the next part of the slaughter procedure. The challenge in developing countries, however, is to find a strategy that encourages use of a method which limits suffering whilst being accessible for routine slaughter practice.
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© 2012 Universities Federation for Animal Welfare
The Old School, Brewhouse Hill, Wheathampstead,
Hertfordshire AL4 8AN, UK
Animal Welfare 2012, 21(S2): 3-8
ISSN 0962-7286
A review of the humaneness of puntilla as a slaughter method
G Limon*, J Guitian and NG Gregory
Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK
* Contact for correspondence and requests for reprints: glimon@rvc.ac.uk
Abstract
Puntilla is a traditional slaughter method in which a knife is plunged into the back of the neck to sever the spinal cord. The aim is to
produce immediate collapse of the animal. Puntilla is not condoned as a stunning method by the World Animal Health Organisation
(OIE) because there is concern that the animal could be conscious during and after the neck stab. Nonetheless, it is still used in some
developing countries. The effectiveness and humaneness of puntilla followed by neck sticking was examined at two slaughterhouses
in Bolivia. Twenty llamas (Lama glama) and 309 cattle were observed during routine puntilla without stunning. The number of neck
stabs was recorded, and then brain and spinal functions (rhythmic breathing, palpebral reflex and eyeball rotation) were assessed. In
addition, the presence of specific cognitive responses (such as responses to a threat stimulus and noise, as well as to flavours and
odours), were also assessed in cattle. Breed, sex, live weight, body condition score and the slaughterman’s experience were recorded.
Repeat stabbing was needed to penetrate the foramen ovale in 45% of the llamas and two of them attempted to stand following
collapse after the initial stab. All llamas showed rhythmic breathing movements at the flank following puntilla and before sticking, and
95% had a positive palpebral reflex at the same time. Twenty-four percent of the cattle needed repeat stabbing. Repeat stabbing
was significantly less frequent with experienced slaughtermen, and more frequent in heavyweight animals (> 380 kg). Brain and spinal
responses were present in 91% of the cattle following the stabs. When cattle attempted to stand after a neck stab they were more
likely to have rhythmic breathing, positive palpebral response and responsiveness to threat, noise and brief air stimulus applied to the
face. These findings indicate that it is difficult in practice to penetrate the spinal cord with a single puntilla stab. Some nerve pathways
are often functional after the neck stab and therefore it is highly likely that the animals remain conscious in at least some modalities
for the next part of the slaughter procedure. The challenge in developing countries, however, is to find a strategy that encourages use
of a method which limits suffering whilst being accessible for routine slaughter practice.
Keywords:animal welfare, Bolivia, cattle and llamas, degree of awareness, puntilla, slaughter
Introduction
Puntilla (also known as neck stabbing and evernazione) is a
traditional slaughter method in which a knife is plunged into
the back of the neck of the animal to sever the spinal cord
(Dembo 1894). The animal immediately collapses, and can
then be stuck and processed in the normal way. In the past
this method has been advocated by animal protection groups
as a humane alternative to contemporary methods (Gregory
1989), but now it is not condoned as a stunning method by
the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) (World
Organisation for Animal Health 2006), and is forbidden in
European Union slaughterhouses because it is considered
inhumane. The method is, however, still used in many devel-
oping countries (Cartes-Sanchez 2000; Pham Hong Nhat
2006; Osborne 2009) where no alternative methods are
available other than sticking the animal without stunning.
In the human, 4 out of 17 patients with transcranial stab
wounds that involved either the midbrain or brainstem
survived the insult even though there was persistent hemi-
plegia in each of the four subjects (Nathoo et al 2000). This
study showed that incomplete transection of the lower brain
does not invariably induce irreversible unconsciousness.
It has also been shown in mice (Mus musculus) that sensory
responses are dependent on the severity of the lesion in the
spinal cord. In addition, pain from stimuli, which is not
normally painful (ie allodynic behaviour), can be induced when
some ascending fibres are left intact (Hoschouer et al 2010).
Puntilla is different from pithing. For example, in fish,
pithing is a common procedure in some parts of the world
and usually involves maceration of the lower brain without
direct transection of the spinal cord. It is not clear whether
pithing is a humane procedure but it is recognised that it
requires skill on the part of the operator (Noga 2000).
It has been recognised by the Food and Agriculture
Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) that animal
welfare is highly relevant to success in international devel-
opment. Within a range of topics that need to be addressed,
slaughter and pre-slaughter are some of the areas that
Universities Federation for Animal Welfare Science in the Service of Animal Welfare
4 Limon et al
require assessment, capacity building and creation of incen-
tives. Much of the research on these topics has been done in
economically developed countries, and there is now a need
to develop expertise in animal welfare science in devel-
oping countries (Food and Agriculture Organisation 2008).
Bolivia is one of the poorest countries in Latin America
having the third lowest Human Development Index in the
region (Klugman 2010). As in most developing countries,
livestock have many roles in Bolivia’s rural areas. Llamas
(Lama glama) are mainly used for fibre production and in
some parts they are still used as pack animals, but recently,
they have been promoted as a local source of meat (United
Nations 2008). Investment in llama abattoirs in South
America began during the 1970s and recently local govern-
ment programmes have promoted the reintroduction of
llamas in the high plateau communities.
The work presented in this paper is based on two previous
published studies (Limon et al 2009, 2010). The aim of the
studies was to assess the humaneness of puntilla method in
llamas and cattle. The specific objectives were to develop a
better understanding of the degree of awareness and
consciousness in animals following the neck stab. This
paper also discusses the implications in applying the
conclusions of the research in developing countries.
Materials and methods
Data collection
Two studies were conducted during routine slaughter, in the
Department of Tarija, southern Bolivia; one at a small llama
slaughterhouse between August and September 2008 and
the second at a cattle slaughterhouse between the 16th and
27th of March 2009. In both slaughterhouses the following
parameters were measured after puntilla (in the case of
cattle after the animal was ejected from the slaughter pen):
whether or not the animal showed brain and spinal function
following the neck stab, number of stabs before the animal
collapsed, sex, and live weight. In addition, the following
parameters were recorded in llamas: age, refusal to move
and vocalisation when led to slaughter pen; in cattle:
whether or not selected cognitive responses were present
after the neck stab, breed, body condition score and level of
experience of the slaughterman carrying out the puntilla.
Body condition score was subjectively assessed by observa-
tion, based on a scale 1 to 5 (1 very poor condition and
5 obese). The level of experience of each slaughterman was
obtained by asking them the number of years they had been
performing puntilla.
Brain and spinal function following the neck stab
In order to evaluate brain and spinal function the following
parameters were recorded immediately after puntilla in both
species: presence of rhythmic breathing, palpebral reflex
and eyeball rotation. Nystagmus and pupillary reflex were
also recorded in cattle. Eyeball rotation was present when
the sclera was obvious in the exposed eye. Rhythmic
breathing excluded spasmodic gasping and gagging.
Pupillary reflex was assessed by pupil closure in response to
a torch allowing 5 s for the response to occur. Nystagmus
was recognised as involuntary rapid eyeball flicker. When
eyeball rotation was present, neither nystagmus, nor the
pupillary reflex were tested. When nystagmus was present
the pupillary reflex was not tested.
Brain and spinal function was said to be present if one or
more of the above criteria were present immediately after
the puntilla stab. In addition, it was present in those animals
that attempted to stand after the stab.
In order to evaluate if there was a cranial-spinal response,
cardiac acceleration was assessed using a Littmann stetho-
scope at approximately 30 s after the animals had been
ejected from the pen, in response to introducing up to 5 ml
cold water into an ear. Acceleration was recognised if the
heart rate increased to a level that exceeded 120 bpm.
Cognitive responses after the neck stab
In order to evaluate whether cranial nerve responses were
still patent, and which parts of the spinal cord were still
intact, the following responses were evaluated immediately
after the animals were ejected from the pen:
• Response to threat stimulus. This was done by rushing the
hand towards the eyes and observing if the animal reacted
by closing its eyes. Some of them also moved the head
backwards.
• Response to sudden noise stimulus was done by clapping
the hands up to 5 cm from the animal’s ear and observing an
ear movement and alerting response.
• Response when blowing air on the nose was positive when
there was a backward movement of the head. Responses to
short (less than 1 s) and long draughts (3 s) were examined
in each animal.
• Response when introducing a stick into the nostril.
• Response to different odours and flavours, including
molasses, lime juice, vinegar and salt, applied separately.
For response to odours, a stick impregnated with each odour
was presented within 5 cm of the front of the nose, and for
the response to a flavour a stick impregnated with the test
substance was introduced into the mouth. A positive
reaction to the odour was said to occur when the animal’s
nostrils flared; a response to flavour or the presence of the
stick occurred when there was tongue movement.
• Response to a single needle stimulus in the skin over the
frontal bone using a 10 cm 19 G needle and observing for a
localised skin response.
All variables were recorded as binary: whether the animal
responded or not.
All observations were made by one of the authors. The
observer offered no advice or instructions on how the
animals should be slaughtered. For safety reasons, cattle
presenting violent head and/or limb movements were not
included in the study.
© 2012 Universities Federation for Animal Welfare
Review of puntilla as a slaughter method 5
Statistical analysis
In the case of the cattle, slaughterhouse numerical variables
representing number of stabs before the animal collapsed
and weight were re-categorised into binary variables, this
was done by using the mean or the median as a cut-off,
depending on which was considered more appropriate after
examining the histograms. After re-categorisation, these
variables became as follow: ‘Number of stabs before the
animal collapsed’: animals that received one stab and
animals that received more than one stab; ‘weight’: animals
weighing up to 380 kg and animals heavier than 380 kg.
Breed was also re-categorised as mixed breeds versus Zebu.
Slaughterman experience was grouped as beginners (for
those who had been carrying out the puntilla method for less
than 5 years) and experienced (for those with more than
5 years experience). This cut-off was carried out based on
the criteria given by slaughtermen themselves.
Number of stabs before the animal collapsed, slaughtermen
experience, weight, breed, sex and physical condition score
were considered predictor variables; brain and spinal
function, cognitive responses were the outcome variables.
As a first step in the analysis collinearity between predictor
variables was explored. This was done by two-tailed Fisher
exact test or Chi-squared test. When collinearity was
present (P< 0.05) just one of the two related independent
variables was kept for further analysis. Then, we deter-
mined extent to which predictor variables were associated
with each of the individual outcomes using Chi-squared test
(or Fisher exact when necessary). For each of those associ-
ations that were significant in the bivariate analysis
(P< 0.05), a logistic model was built to assess the relation-
ship between the individual predictor variable and the
outcome, accounting for the potential confounding and
interaction effect of other variables. A step-wise selection
procedure was used where only variables significant at
P< 0.05 were retained in the model.
Odds ratios were obtained as a measure of strength of the
association between independent and outcome variables.
The analyses were carried out using the statistical packages Stata,
version 7.0 (Stata Corporation, College Station, TX, USA).
Results
Llamas
During the puntilla procedure, a single edge knife was
inserted into the foramen ovale at the atlanto-occipital axis.
The most common sequence of events at the abattoir was as
follows: the procedure was carried out in couched (sternal
recumbency with front and hind limbs flexed) unrestrained
animals. The slaughterman’s left hand held the animal’s ears
forcing the nose downwards and his right hand made the
stab in the upper neck. The stabbed animal was then
shackled by one hind leg and hoisted onto a bleeding rail
where it was stuck by inserting a knife to cut both carotid
arteries. The time between puntilla and sticking was
between 30 and 180 s (median 60 s, average 70 s [± 38]).
Twenty llamas were observed. All the llamas were between
two and five year-old males, weighing between 56 and
92 kg (median 74 kg). None of them were aggressive during
handling, but 11 (55%) refused to move at some stage
during transfer to the slaughter area and 4 (20%) vocalised.
Between one and three attempts were made at penetrating
the foramen ovale with the puntilla knife by one slaugh-
terman (mean 1.3 [± 0.72]), and between one and eleven
attempts were made by the less experienced slaughterman
(mean 5 [± 3.8], P= 0.005). Two of the animals (10%)
attempted to stand after the initial stab with the knife and all
llamas presented rhythmic breathing (Table 1).
Cattle
The most common sequence of events at the abattoir was as
follows: the stunning pen was loaded with either one or two
animals. Once the animal(s) were in a suitable position, a
single edge knife was inserted into the dorsal aspect of the
neck above the foramen ovale at the atlanto-occipital axis.
When two animals were in the box at the same time the
knife was inserted in the second animal immediately after
the first. The stabbed animal(s) were then ejected from the
side of the pen; a second slaughterman shackled one hind
leg and hoisted the animal onto a bleeding rail where it was
stuck by inserting a knife into the neck to cut both carotid
arteries. The time between being ejected from the pen and
being hoisted onto the bleeding rail was not systematically
recorded for all animals but it was observed that in some
cases it could have been up to 15 min.
Observations were made on 309 cattle, of which 35% were
females (mean weight 344.3 [± 67.7]) kg and 65% were
males (predominantly steers; mean weight 408 [± 90.4]).
Body condition score was 4 for 46.6% of the animals and 3
for 42%. All animals were stabbed in the neck as described
above, 214 (69.26%) by an experienced slaughterman and
the rest by four different beginner slaughtermen. The
number of stabs at the first attempt ranged between one and
eight tries; the prevalence of repeat stabbing was 24%,
Animal Welfare 2012, 21(S2): 3-8
Table 1 Prevalence of brain and spinal responses in
cattle and llamas subjected to puntilla.
Brain and spinal
function parameters
Prevalence (%)
Cattle (n = 309) Llamas (n = 20)
Attempt to stand 22 10
Rhythmic breathing 81.6 100
Palpebral reflex 72.8 95
Eye rotation 23.6 0
Nystagmus23.7 –
Pupillary reflex12.4 –
Cardiac acceleration after
water in ear
11.7 –
Nystagmus was not tested when eye rotation was present.
Pupillary reflex was not tested when eyeball rotation or nystagmus
were present.
6 Limon et al
which was significantly associated with slaughterman expe-
rience (P= 0.004) and weight of the animal (P= 0.028). The
experienced slaughterman gave just one stab in 75% of the
animals in order to produce collapse, while only 27% of the
animals stabbed by beginner slaughtermen collapsed after
the first stab. Nearly 63% of the heavier animals (> 380 kg)
received more than one stab.
Two hundred and eighty-four (92%) of the 309 animals
presented one or more of the parameters which indicated
a brain and spinal function (presence of rhythmic
breathing, positive palpebral reflex, eyeball rotation,
nystagmus and pupillary reflex).
The prevalence of each of the parameters recorded to evaluate
brain and spinal function, as well as cognitive responses after
the neck stab are presented in Tables 1 and 2, respectively.
Over 70% of the animals presented a palpebral reflex,
which was present in 78% of the animals weighing 380 kg
or less, and 67% of the heavier animals (> 380 kg)
(P= 0.021). Palpebral reflex was present in one out of every
four Zebu animals, whereas just less than 10% of the mixed
breeds had a positive reflex (P= 0.020). More than 80% of
the animals had rhythmic breathing after being stabbed,
with more than 90% of the Zebu cattle showing this
behaviour compared with 79% in the mixed breed cattle
(P= 0.020). Almost 40% responded to molasses odour, and
this response was present in 35% of the animals stabbed by
the experienced slaughtermen and nearly half of the cattle
stabbed by beginners (P= 0.026).
Animals attempting to stand were 4.5 times more likely to
have rhythmic breathing (P= 0.002), 4.1 times more likely
to have a positive palpebral reflex (P= 0.0004), two times
more likely to respond to a threat stimulus (P= 0.02),
2.3 times more likely to respond to the noise stimulus
(P= 0.004) and 2.5 times more likely to respond to a short
air stimulus (P= 0.007).
The odds ratios (OR) resulting from the logistic regression
analysis are given in Table 3. Only the models that were signif-
icant are presented. In general, the Zebu cattle were heavier and
were 3.34 times more likely to be breathing and 2.73 times more
likely to have pupillary reflex after being stabbed. Animals
weighing > 380 kg were half as likely to have a positive
palpebral reflex. Cattle stabbed by beginner slaughtermen were
1.75 times more likely to respond to the molasses odour.
Discussion
These findings showed that in practice puntilla is difficult to
perform proficiently, it is difficult to penetrate the atlanto-
occipital space and there is the risk of failing to completely
sever the spinal cord with a single stab and inflicting pain
when repeating the procedure. In these studies the preva-
lence of repeat stabbing was 45% in llamas and 23.3% in
cattle, this difference could be linked to slaughterman expe-
rience and size of the foramen ovale. Nevertheless, the
prevalence of brain and spinal function in cattle (91.1%)
was considerably higher than the 8.7% prevalence reported
for cattle receiving a captive bolt (Gregory et al 2007).
Two llamas showed righting behaviour of the neck following
puntilla, indicating that the medial (and lateral) pathways of
the spinal cord were still intact including the vestibulospinal
tract, which is involved in reflex control of balance and
posture (Ghez 1991). All llamas and 80% cattle showed
rhythmic breathing movements in the flank region after
puntilla, indicating that the corticospinal, ventral and lateral
columns of the spinal cord were not completely severed
(Mitchell & Berger 1975). A palpebral reflex was present in
95% llamas after puntilla, and 70% cattle, indicating that the
Vth and VIIth cranial nerve pathways to and from the brain
stem were still patent (Scagliotti 1991; May & Porter 1998).
In addition, results for the cattle slaughterhouse showed that
nearly 40% of the animals had a positive response to at least
one odour, which means that the Ist cranial nerve pathway
was still patent (de Lahunta & Glass 2009). Nearly one-
third of the animals observed responded to at least one
flavour, presenting tongue movements when an impreg-
nated stick was put in their mouth, which demonstrates that
the hypoglossal neurons from the XIIth nerve pathway were
patent as well as the IXth and Xth nerve pathways (de
Lahunta & Glass 2009). Although there were differences in
response to different flavours, it is possible that some of the
responses were due to physical stimulation rather than
flavour. In that case, the cranial nerve involved would have
been the Vth. Molasses was the odour and flavour which
more animals reacted to, which could be because it is a
familiar odour and a smell related to a taste cattle tend to
like. Finally, 21% of the animals responded to a noise
stimulus indicating that the cochlear nucleus in the medulla
(VIIIth nerve pathway) was still functional (Shore 2005).
Animals that attempted to stand were more likely to have
rhythmic breathing, a positive palpebral response, respon-
© 2012 Universities Federation for Animal Welfare
Table 2 Prevalence of cognitive and cranial-spinal
responses in cattle.
Parameters indicating cognitive responses Prevalence (%)
Vocalisation 4.5
Response to threat stimulus 61.2
Response to noise stimulus 21.4
Response to short air stimulus 13.6
Response to long air stimulus 17.8
Response to stick in nostril 20.1
Response to needle skin stimulus 11.7
Response to molasses odour 39.2
Response to lime odour 19.1
Response to vinegar odour 36.6
Response to salt odour 22
Response to molasses flavour 13.9
Response to lime flavour 4.2
Response to vinegar flavour 7.4
Response to salt flavour 9.1
Review of puntilla as a slaughter method 7
siveness to a threat stimulus, responsiveness to a noise
stimulus and responsiveness to a short air stimulus, which
indicates that in those animals that attempted to stand
cranial nerve pathways were often functional and it is
highly likely that they were still conscious.
It is important to note that the cranial nerve pathways examined
in the cattle study spanned the length of the brainstem. This
leaves little opportunity for subdivisions of the brain stem
being viable in cases where all responses were negative.
The fact that Zebu were more likely than crossbred cattle to
present rhythmic breathing can be explained by the anatomy
of the Zebu’s neck, which makes the puntilla method even
more difficult to perform proficiently.
Even though the puntilla method is not condoned by inter-
national organisations such as OIE (World Organisation for
Animal Health 2006), there is evidence that it is still used in
small- and medium-sized slaughterhouses in some devel-
oping countries such as Viet Nam (Nhat 2006), México
(Osborne 2009), Chile (Cartes-Sanchez 2000) and Peru
(Artigas, personal communication 2010). In Bolivia,
puntilla is an everyday practice in some parts of the country.
It is not the official method recommended by the national
legislation but it is not disallowed (SENASAG 2005).
Unofficial use such as this makes it difficult to appreciate
the extent to which the method is actually used.
Animal welfare implications
From a welfare point of view, the purpose of stunning is to
render the animal insensible (Gregory 1998). A previous
study plus practical experience has shown that puntilla can
cause immediate collapse in cattle when the spinal cord is
severed (Dembo 1894). However, as shown in the studies
presented here, it is difficult to perform proficiently, which
means it cannot be assumed that it is always a painless way
of immobilising cattle and llamas. Furthermore, an experi-
mental study in sheep showed that the pre-puntilla elec-
troencephalogram (EEG) can be similar to that up to 130 s
after incomplete severance of the spinal cord, suggesting
that puntilla can have limited immediate effect on brain
function during this time-period (Tidswell et al 1986).
FAO has recognised the need to develop expertise in
animal welfare science in developing countries (Food
and Agriculture Organisation 2008). However, animal
welfare issues in developing countries should be
addressed while taking into account their limited
resources and the cost of upgrading to alternative
methods. Whilst enforcing new methods in slaughter-
houses which wish to access international markets might
be relatively straightforward, introducing more
expensive methods in small- to medium-size abattoirs
could represent an increase in slaughterhouse fees,
which might lead people to stop taking their cattle to an
abattoir and instead slaughter them at home. Thus, the
challenge in developing countries is to find a strategy
that encourages use of a method which compromises
animal welfare as little as possible and at the same time
is accessible for everyone.
These findings emphasise the need to stun cattle and llamas
before slaughter. Previously, captive-bolt guns have had
only limited success in Bolivia. This is because it has been
difficult to get import permission, and when guns have been
introduced they have fallen from use because of poor main-
Animal Welfare 2012, 21(S2): 3-8
Table 3 Final logistic regression models for variables that were significant in the Chi-squared test.
* All independent variables were coded as 0 negative response; 1 positive response.
Animals that could not be tested for pupillary reflex were not considered in the model.
First models Second models
Independent variable: Breathing after stabbed* Adjusted by weight
OR (95% CI) P-value OR (95% CI) P-value
Mixed breed 1 Mixed breed 1 –
Zebu 3.27 (1.13–9.4) 0.028 Zebu 3.34 (1.15–9.71) 0.026
Independent variable: Pupillary reflex*Adjusted by weight
Mixed breed 1 Mixed breed 1 –
Zebu 3.04 (1.15–8) 0.024 Zebu 2.73 (1.02–7.34) 0.034
Independent variable: Palpebral reflex*
Weight < 380 kg 1 –
Weight > 380 kg 0.55 (0.33–0.91) 0.021
Independant variable: Respond to molasses odour*
Experience slaughterman 1 –
Beginner slaughterman 1.74 (1.06–2.84) 0.27
8 Limon et al
tenance. Presently, cattle in some parts of Bolivia are
stunned with a long-handled mallet before sticking. In the
short term, this method should be extended to all cattle. In
the absence of captive-bolt guns, it is unclear what the best
method for stunning llamas would be in countries such as
Bolivia. With any change, it is essential that there is training
and demonstration programmes.
Acknowledgements
This work was funded by Human Slaughter Association. We
wish to thank the slaughterhouses’ staff for their assistance
in this work.
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... Once the cut is achieved, a general paralysis is produced, immediately followed by the bleeding by disgorging. Although this method is still used in many developing countries, the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) considers it cruel and advises against its use, while the EU has banned it in its territory; both decisions are based on the fact that it has been demonstrated that animals are usually conscious during and after its application (Limon et al. 2012). ...
Chapter
The capacity of goats to adjust to handling and husbandry in a wide variety of production systems, even under extreme climatic conditions, has made these animals a valuable resource in ancient and contemporary human societies. Every year, millions of goats worldwide are subjected to routine husbandry practices (injections, ear-tagging, hoof trimming, castration, disbudding, or dehorning), transport (land, sea, and air), and slaughter (for human consumption, euthanasia, and population control). Some of these practices are carried out because they have been shown to be effective in preserving animal health and welfare, or improving production performance and ensuring the quality or safety of goat milk and meat. However, even under good conditions, these practices can cause a stress response in the animals, and states of pain, fear, anxiety, and frustration. At the same time, there is a growing public concern for improving the conditions under which farm animals are raised, transported, and slaughtered. Therefore, the aim of this chapter is to describe the current scientific evidence on these practices and possible strategies to optimise, refine, and/or replace them to improve and preserve goat welfare.
... There are no evaluations about the brain and spinal cord activity after using the puntilla. Therefore, it is necessary to determine a strategy to use an effective method for stunning humane and accessible to use daily in slaughterhouses (Limon et al., 2012). Other factors must be considered, such as sex, breed, animal live weight, body condition, and the operator's experience. ...
Article
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Objective: To review how transport and stunning of cattle affect animal welfare. Approach: During the transport of beef cattle to slaughter plants, several factors affect animal welfare, such as travel time, stress, and load density. Additionally, the correct stunning of cattle helps comply with the animal welfare guidelines established by different protocols such as Welfare Quality®. Study limitations/Implications: Meat quality is affected by several factors, being of utmost importance the way animals are transported to the slaughterhouse, and they are stunned. Therefore, it is critical to perform these stages properly to obtain good quality meat; besides, it is a welfare issue. Conclusions: It is critical to comply with transport and slaughter procedures that guarantee good beef meat quality and ensure animal welfare to avoid stress in cattle as possible.
... Al llegar al sitio de comercialización o al matadero, suelen estar entumidos y para hacerlos caminar son arreados a golpes o con electricidad. En la mayoría de los rastros la matanza todavía se realiza sin previa inconsciencia (Grandin, 2013:492-502), mediante desangrado o por degüello, que además de no ser un método rápido, provoca que los animales mueran por asfixia o broncoaspiración de su propia sangre, mientras que otros son introducidos al agua hirviendo o son eviscerados y desollados cuando todavía están conscientes (Limon, 2012;Reza, 2017). ...
Article
Full-text available
Los humanos nos hemos vinculado con los animales dominándolos y usándolos para alcanzar nuestros fines sin preocuparnos por sus intereses y necesidades, considerándolos como objetos, lo que ha favorecido servirnos de ellos sin restricciones. En muchas legislaciones se han categorizado como simples bienes hacia los que no tenemos ninguna consideración ni obligación, colocándolos en una situación de vulnerabilidad. Sin embargo, las evidencias científicas demuestran que tienen capacidad de sentir, de expresar emociones y de tener una vida mental compleja. Esto ha permitido dar un giro en las posturas filosóficas antropocéntricas hacia nuevas corrientes éticas más incluyentes que sí consideran los intereses, necesidades y el bienestar de los otros animales, cuestionando la violencia que hemos ejercido contra ellos y que ha sido justificada desde el especismo. Algunas de nuestras acciones resultan inaceptables como el entretenimiento a costa del sufrimiento animal, pero hay otras que parecieran necesarias o inevitables como la investigación con animales y los que se destinan a nuestra alimentación. De esta reflexión se concluye que tenemos la obligación moral de reconocer sus intereses, disminuyendo su sufrimiento y maximizando su bienestar, dejando de verlos como simples cosas o propiedades y reconocerlos como seres sintientes.
... Spinal disruption and/or concussion would affect responses transmitted via the spinal cord, such as postures, noxious responses, and respiratory and cardiac functions. However, these events are unlikely to have occurred in the current study as responses unrelated to spinal cord function but mediated via the brainstem, such as corneal, palpebral and jaw tension through the cranial nerves V and VII (Limon et al., 2012), were absent in all animals. If there was spinal cord concussion in the absence of brain concussion it would be expected that the responses mediated via the cranial nerves would be present while the spinal functions were absent. ...
Article
Twenty-seven neonate piglets (range from 0.35 to 1.17 kg) were evaluated for the effectiveness of blunt force trauma as a method of on-farm cull. Brainstem function, brain injury and haemorrhage scores (increasing from 0 to 3) were assessed after striking the head against a concrete floor. Electroencephalograms (EEG) from a subset of 15 piglets were recorded prior to and after blunt force trauma for electrophysiological assessments. Blunt force trauma was performed by a single experienced farmer in a commercial farm by holding the piglet by its both hind legs and striking the head against the concrete floor. All piglets remained recumbent and did not show brainstem reflexes. Only one piglet did not presented tonic/clonic physical activity. The mean time to onset of persistent isoelectric EEG was 64.3 ± 7.3 (range 18 – 115) s. Total power, theta, alpha and beta power decreased to approximately 45%, 30%, 20% and 15% from pre-treatment power, respectively by 15 s post-impact. There were no periods of normal-like EEG after the culling. Bruises in the neck and shoulder were found in 67% and 70% of piglets, respectively. All piglets presented skull fractures with 20% having the nasal bone(s) fractured. Brain damage was found in all piglets, mainly in the frontal lobe(s). The occipital lobe(s) presented the greatest frequency of severe damage. The analysis of the radiographs also found a high frequency of fractures in this region. Haemorrhage was most frequent in the frontal, parietal, occipital lobes and midbrain. When performed correctly with the appropriate weight class, blunt force trauma can be used as an effective method for on-farm killing of nursing piglets resulting in death. However, this method should not be promoted over more reliable and repeatable cull methods such as captive bolt gun (CBG). As with blunt force trauma there is significant potential for animal welfare harm associated with inappropriate practice, lack of accuracy, issues with repeatability and operator fatigue.
... The puntilla method of stabbing cattle to immobilise them before slaughter, or cutting tendons, should be discontinued, as they are not permitted by the OIE (Grandin, 2010). Unfortunately, they are still used in some small-and medium-sized slaughterhouses in developing countries like Viet Nam, Mexico, Chile, Peru and Bolivia (Limon et al., 2012). ...
Article
This paper reviews the scientific literature on water buffalo welfare in all stages of the live animal supply chain from the farm gate to slaughter (loading/unloading, markets, transportation, handling, lairage, stunning and slaughter) with the objective of identifying risk factors and potential mitigation strategies. Although in some countries legislation exists to protect the welfare of farm animals during transport and killing, the handling practices used to load and unload buffaloes and move them in livestock markets and abattoirs are often harsh. This is frequently due to inadequate equipment designed principally for cattle, and the fact that water buffaloes are considered more temperamental than cattle. Additionally, more reactive animals have increased stress responses to handling, which can lead to more negative human interventions with increased numbers of skin lesions and bruises to the carcasses. During transport, buffaloes may suffer periods of thermal stress due to overstocking, inadequate ventilation and because in many tropical climates trips are made during the hottest time of the day. The anatomical and physiological characteristics of water buffalo make them particularly susceptible to thermal stress in the absence of water for wallowing. Although water buffaloes belong to the same Bovidae family as domestic cattle, certain anatomical features of the head make effective stunning very problematic. Buffaloes have extensive sinuses and frontal bones, meaning that the penetrating captive bolt devices recommended for cattle may prove ineffective in reliably inducing unconsciousness. There is a need for further development of procedures, stunning positions and appropriate devices to improve the efficiency of buffalo stunning. Finally, in many parts of the world where buffalo are routinely slaughtered in basic conditions without prior stunning. Slaughter without stunning can result in pain and stress associated with delays in the time to loss of consciousness, pain from the cutting of the neck and potential distress associated with aspiration of blood into the respiratory tract. Specific legislation, guidelines and handler/stockman/operator training programmes should be developed to improve the welfare of buffaloes during all ante mortem stages of loading, unloading, handling, stunning and slaughter.
... shown that severance of the spinal cord does not always result in immediate insensibility and death (Erasmus, Lawlis, Duncan, & Widowski, 2010;Erasmus, Turner, Nykamp, & Widowski, 2010;Gregory & Wotton, 1990a;Limon, Guitian, & Gregory, 2012;Tidswell, Blackmore, & Newhook, 1986). In quadrupeds, stretching the spinal cord without causing it to break can cause transient sensory and motor impairment, with motor dysfunction ranging from inability to walk to complete paraplegia (Chang, Hung, Bleyaert, & Janetta, 1981;Gregory, 2004). ...
Article
Full-text available
Guinea pigs (Cavia porcelus) are an important source of nonhuman animal protein in the Andean region of South America. Specific guidelines regarding the welfare of guinea pigs before and during slaughter have yet to be developed. This study critically assessed the humaneness of 4 different stunning/slaughter methods for guinea pigs: cervical neck dislocation (n = 60), electrical head-only stunning (n = 83), carbon dioxide (CO2) stunning (n = 21), and penetrating captive bolt (n = 10). Following cervical neck dislocation, 97% of guinea pigs had at least 1 behavioral or cranial/spinal response. Six percent of guinea pigs were classified as mis-stunned after electrical stunning, and 1% were classified as mis-stunned after captive bolt. Increased respiratory effort was observed during CO2 stunning. Apart from this finding, there were no other obvious behavioral responses that could be associated with suffering. Of the methods assessed, captive bolt was deemed the most humane, effective, and practical method of stunning guinea pigs. Cervical neck dislocation should not be recommended as a slaughter method for guinea pigs.
... In addition, using CBGs in isolated and resource-scarce settings would be feasible and relatively straightforward once slaughtermen in the region have been adequately trained. The use of CBG stunning could provide an effective method of dispatch and would be a significant improvement in terms of welfare compared to the puntilla stab currently performed in South America for immobilising camelids prior to slaughter (Limon, Guitian, & Gregory, 2012, Limon et al., 2009. ...
Article
Full-text available
The aim of this study was to examine the behavioural and cranial/spinal responses of alpacas culled by captive bolt shooting and the resulting pathophysiology of captive bolt injury. Ninety-six alpacas were shot (103 shots) in a range of locations with a penetrating captive bolt gun (CBG). Ten (9.8%) alpacas were incompletely concussed following the first shot. No animals required more than two shots. Incorrectly placed shots accounted for all of the animals that displayed signs of sensibility. Damage to the thalamus, hypothalamus, midbrain, medulla, cerebellum, parietal and occipital lobes were significantly associated with decreasing odds of incomplete concussion. In conclusion, the study confirmed that CBG stunning can induce insensibility in alpacas and suggests that the top of the head (crown) position maximises damage to structures of the thalamus and brainstem. (C) 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Chapter
When we think about nonhuman animal rights in general and the right to life in particular, it is interesting to note that there are already certain nonhuman animal species that are granted a right which is somewhat similar to the human right to life, at least in some countries. Consider cows in India who have special protection due to religious causes, for example. In Austria, the killing of dogs and cats for the purpose of obtaining their meat or other products of their bodies is prohibited (Rechtsinformationssystem des Bundes (RIS) n.d.-a, § 6.2). Although the lives of dogs and cats in Austria are not threatened by human consumption of meat, many of them are legally euthanized.
Chapter
The ability of goats, llamas and alpacas to adapt to management and breeding, even in extreme climatic conditions, made these animals a valuable resource in ancient and contemporary human societies. The consumption of their meat is an important part of the culinary culture and agri-food heritage of many societies around the world. In addition, there is a growing demand for this type of meat from new consumer segments in developing and emerging countries seeking alternative sensory and culinary experiences to conventional ones. Therefore, traditional and alternative consumption largely determine the quality of preslaughter operations, slaughter infrastructure, logistics and transportation. In addition to the usual handling practices faced by goats and camelids during transport and preslaughter operations, there are a number of environmental stressors that are not directly dependent on handlers or, if dependent on handlers, are often unavoidable. These include aspects, such as journey time, inspection and/or rest stops, densities and location of animals in truck compartments, variations in air quality and temperature changes, vibration and noise. The effect of some of these factors on animal welfare has often been underestimated or overestimated. It is therefore important to have an integrated view of the phenomena associated with transport, identifying and prioritizing, according to the particular conditions of each system, the most frequent risk points. This chapter presents the main environmental factors affecting the welfare of goats and camelids during transport and preslaughter operations, although there may be differences between countries depending on the type of trucks used, slaughter infrastructure, breed-related susceptibility to stress, environmental-geographical conditions, regulations and idiosyncrasies of each country. In addition, we present scientific and technical elements to consider in decision making, with the objective of preventing, mitigating or controlling the risk factors that cause suffering to goats, llamas and alpacas throughout the handling, transport and slaughter operations.
Article
Organized by functional neurologic system, the 3rd edition of this authoritative reference provides the most up-to-date information on neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neuropathology, and clinical neurology as it applies to small animals, horses, and food animals. Accurate diagnosis is emphasized throughout with practical guidelines for performing neurologic examinations, interpreting examination results, and formulating effective treatment plans. In-depth disease descriptions, color images, and video clips reinforce important concepts and assist with diagnosis and treatment. Expert authors bring more than 50 years of experience in veterinary neuroanatomy and clinical neurology to this book - Dr. Alexander DeLahunta and Dr. Eric Glass offer their unique insights from both academic and practitioner perspectives. Disease content is presented in a logical case study format with three distinct parts: Description of the disorder Neuroanatomic diagnosis (including how it was determined, the differential diagnosis, and any available ancillary data) Course of the disease (providing final clinical or necropsy diagnosis and a brief discussion of the syndrome) More than 600 full-color photographs and line drawings, plus approximately 150 high-quality radiographs, visually reinforce key concepts and assist in reaching accurate diagnoses. The book comes with free access to 370 video clips on Cornell University's website that directly correlate to the case studies throughout the book and clearly demonstrate nearly every recognized neurologic disorder. High-quality MR images of the brain are presented alongside correlating stained transverse sections for in-depth study and comparison. Vivid photos of gross and microscopic lesions clearly illustrate the pathology of many of the disorders presented in the book.
Article
The prevalence of shallow depth of concussion following captive bolt shooting was assessed in 1608 cattle at an abattoir. Depth of concussion was determined in each animal from physical collapse, presence or absence of corneal reflex, normal rhythmic breathing, eyeball rotation, and whether the animal was re-shot. The presence of nystagmus and the absence of tongue protrusion were also monitored as potential indicators of a shallow depth of concussion, and simultaneous noise measurements assessed whether loudness of gun discharge was linked to concussion depth. The prevalence of a shallow depth of concussion was 8% for all cattle and 15% for young bulls. Nystagmus was associated with other indicators of a shallow depth of concussion. Absence of tongue protrusion was not associated with depth of concussion, but could serve as a useful indicator of jaw relaxation and insensibility following exsanguination. Soft-sounding shots (⩽111dB) when using 4.5 gr cartridges were associated with shallow depth of concussion.
Article
Slaughter by puntilla followed by neck sticking was examined in 20 recumbent llamas. Repeat stabbing was needed to penetrate the foramen ovale in 45% of the llamas, and two animals attempted to stand after the first stab. Puntilla was found to be ineffective, as all animals showed rhythmic breathing movements at the flank following puntilla and before sticking, and 95% had a positive palpebral reflex at the same time. The findings indicated that it is difficult in practice to penetrate the spinal cord with a single puntilla stab.
Article
Slaughter by puntilla followed by neck sticking was examined in 309 cattle, to assess the humaneness of this method. After the neck stab, brain and spinal function as well as presence of selected cognitive responses were measured. In addition breed, sex, live weight, body condition score, number of stabs given and level of experience of the slaughterman were recorded. Repeat stabbing was needed to penetrate the foramen ovale in 24% of the animals, and was significantly less frequent in slaughtermen who were experienced, and more frequent in heavy weight animals (>380 kg). Prevalence of brain and spinal function was 91%. When animals attempted to stand after the neck stab they were more likely to have rhythmic breathing, positive palpebral response and responsiveness to threat, noise and short air stimulus. These findings indicate that nerve pathways are often functional after neck stab and therefore it is highly likely that the animals are still conscious.
Article
Following spinal cord injury (SCI), individuals lose normal sensation and often develop debilitating neuropathic pain. Basic research has helped to elucidate many of the underlying mechanisms, but unanswered questions remain concerning how sensation changes after SCI and potential negative consequences of regenerative therapies. Mouse models provide an opportunity to explore these questions using genetic markers and manipulations. However, despite the increasing use of mice in pain and sensory research, the responses to sensory stimuli after SCI are poorly characterized in this species. This study evaluated behavioral responses to mechanical and nociceptive stimuli applied to the hindlimbs and the dorsal trunk in C57BL/6 mice after mid-thoracic SCI. Adult mice were subjected to laminectomy, contusion injuries of different severities, or complete transections to test the hypothesis that the patterns of sensory pathology depend on the extent of tissue damage at the injury site. In the hind paws, hyper-responsiveness to a heat stimulus developed independent of injury severity, while mechanical sensitivity decreased, except after the most severe contusion injuries sparing less than 2% of the white matter at the injury site, when enhanced sensitivity was observed. On the trunk, mechanical and pin prick testing revealed diminished sensitivity at and below the injury level, while responses above the level of the injury were unchanged. The contrast in injury severity threshold for thermal and mechanical hypersensitivity in the hind paws suggests that these responses have different underlying mechanisms. These results establish essential baseline information for murine studies of pain and changes in sensation after SCI.
Article
Slaughtering cattle and pigs is good business nowadays in Vietnam and in Ho Chi Minh City alone there are already 42 slaughter units. Though slaughtering has for a long time been considered a low-technology operation and thus not the sort of subject to be taken seriously by researchers, the recent increase of public awareness on environmental problems caused by this activity however attracts more attention. This article provides an analysis of the environmental impacts caused by the small- and medium-sized slaughterhouses in the Ho Chi Minh City and describes the shortcomings and causes of its present poor environmental performance and management. The main environmental problems caused by the small- and medium-sized slaughterhouses are the uncontrolled use of ground water and the discharge of untreated wastewater with high concentrations of organics including animal feces and blood, parasite eggs and pathogenic bacteria that might easily contaminate the receiving environment and endanger human health. The article concludes that the application of a pollution-prevention concept is crucial to improve the environmental performance of small- and medium-sized slaughterhouses in Vietnam.