Application of Audiofrequency for Anesthesia of Animals

Abstract

In seeking an improvement in the existing methods of preslaughter anesthesia of meat animals, a program of research was undertaken in which sine wave audiofrequency currents were applied to the animal's heads in the region of the skull overlying the frontal portion of the brain. The frequency, amplitude and duration of application were varied. The ability of this type of current to render an animal unconscious was found to be frequency dependent, as well as requiring a minimum value of amplitude and duration, The most suitable frequencies appear to lie in a band bounded by 200 cps and 2000 cps. Amplitude varies with the size and species of animal. Duration should be greater than 0,25 seconds for consistent results. Rats, rabbits, dogs, hogs, sheep and cattle were tested.