Effectiveness of different electrical stunning regimens for turkeys and consequences for carcase quality

Abstract

1. This study examined the effectiveness of electrical stunning of turkeys applied at 150 mA per bird utilising a range of waveform-frequency combinations. In addition, the effect of stunning treatment on subsequent carcase quality was examined. 2. The effectiveness of stunning, as judged by time to recovery, was similar regardless of bird weight or applied stunning treatment. 3. Increasing waveform frequency was associated with a decrease in the prevalence of ventricular fibrillation, although turkeys appeared more susceptible than broilers. 4. Use of the higher frequency waveforms (500 and 1500 Hz) was associated with a marked improvement in carcase quality, particularly with regard to breast muscle haemorrhaging and their use may result in considerable commercial advantage.