The Influence of Broilers’ Body Weight on the Efficiency of Electrical Stunning and Meat Quality under Field Conditions

Giorgio Smaldone,Raffaele Marrone,Rosa Luisa Ambrosio,Stefano Capezzuto,Aniello Anastasio,Maria Francesca Peruzy,Giacomo Peres

doi:10.3390/ani11051362

Giorgio Smaldone, Raffaele Marrone + Show 5 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11051362

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Abstract

Simple SummaryWater-bath stunning represents the most-applied stunning system in poultry slaughtering. This study aimed to assess the efficiency of two types of electrical equipment applied to broilers with different live body weights. Moreover, the influence of the tested stunners on broiler meat quality was evaluated. 6600 broilers, divided into three weight groups, were stunned and the state of unconsciousness and post-mortem defects were evaluated by blinded trained operators. Considering the total body weight, the application of the two stunning systems resulted in a different occurrence of ineffective stunning signs registering statistical differences (p < 0.01) among groups. Considering injuries, an inverse relationship between body weight and lesions was found. The results highlighted the effectiveness of both stunning systems that apply the best combination of electrical parameters, taking into account the weight of the animal and ensuring its welfare.Water-bath stunning represents the most-applied stunning system in poultry slaughtering, but within the European Union, specific indications on electric parameters that should be used, such as voltage, are missing. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of two commercially available types of electrical equipment (A and B) on broilers with different live body weights and the influence of the tested parameters on meat quality. Experimental trials in a European Union-approved slaughterhouse were carried out using two different stunners. 6600 broilers, divided into three weight groups, were stunned applying different protocols based on the same current frequencies and intensity but different voltages. The state of unconsciousness (presence of corneal reflex and wings flapping) and post-mortem defects (pectoral hemorrhages and dark meat) were evaluated by blinded trained operators. The presence of corneal reflex and petechiae were the most reported consciousness signs and post-mortem injuries, respectively. Different weights played an important role within stunner A, registering statistical differences (p < 0.01) among groups. Considering injuries, an inverse relationship between body weight and lesions was found. The results highlighted the effectiveness of both stunning systems applying the best combination of electrical parameters considering the weight of the animal and ensuring its well-being.

Highlights

Animal welfare during stunning and slaughter is a matter of public concern that affects product quality, food safety, and the healthiness of consumers
In European Union (EU), around 80% of broilers are usually stunned through an electrical water bath and only 20% by Controlled Atmosphere Stunning (CAS), whereby individual animals are exposed to gas mixtures [4,5]
Different superscript lowercase letters indicate a significant difference at p < 0.05. a and b were used for comparison between the two different stunning systems within the same weight group. x and y were used for comparison among weight groups stunned with the same protocol

Summary

Introduction

Animal welfare during stunning and slaughter is a matter of public concern that affects product quality, food safety, and the healthiness of consumers. The electric circuit is closed when the animal’s head is completely immersed in the stunning tank causing the passage of electric current along the whole body of the animal and inducing a state of unconsciousness and insensitivity [6]. These latter states are evaluated through the observation of several scientifically recognized parameters such as changes in animal behavior, physical reflexes, and physiological signs [7,8]. Another important sign of consciousness, and incorrect stunning, is the presence of wing flapping; on the contrary, the presence of the wing close to the body is considered a good visual assessment of stunning efficiency [7]

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