Steffan Edward Octávio Oliveira

Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp)

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F. A. Dalla Costa

Microsoft (Brazil)

TJ Gibson

Royal Veterinary College

O. A. Dalla Costa

Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation

Neville G. Gregory

Royal Veterinary College

Dorgival Morais de Lima Júnior

Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido

Michel do Vale Maciel

Universidade Federal do Amazonas

Adriano Henrique do Nascimento Rangel

Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido

Mateus José Rodrigues Paranhos da Costa

Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp)

Paulo de Barros Sáles Monteiro

Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco

Arlei Coldebella

Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation

Cooperative Institutions

Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido

Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp)

Universidade de São Paulo

Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco

Royal Veterinary College

University of London

Massey University

Núcleo de Pesquisas Aplicadas (Brazil)

Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation

Concordia University Wisconsin

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On-farm culling methods used for pigs

Animal Welfare (2021)

FA Dalla Costa TJ Gibson Steffan Edward Octávio Oliveira NG Gregory L. Faucitano

Abstract The culling of injured and non-viable pigs ( Sus scrofa ) (neonate to breeding stock) is a routine and necessary procedure on most farms. Usually, pigs are culled using one of the following methods: blunt-force trauma (manual and mechanical), captive-bolt stunners, electrical stunning and electrocution or carbon dioxide. Manual blunt-force trauma is one of the most widely used methods due to its low or absent operational and investment costs. However, as a method, it has serious limitations, which include the risk of incomplete concussion, pain, and distress. Manual blunt-force trauma is also aesthetically unpleasant to operators and wider society. To address these issues there has been significant recent research into the development of alternatives to manual blunt-force trauma, these include: captive-bolt stunners, on-farm, gas-based controlled atmosphere systems, low atmospheric pressure systems and electrical stunning. Some of these are currently in commercial use while others are still in the developmental phase. This review brings together the relevant research in this field, evaluating the methods in terms of mechanism of action (mechanical and physiological), effectiveness and animal welfare.

Stunning

Culling

Electrocution

10.7120/09627286.30.3.008

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Electroencephalographic assessment of pneumatically powered penetrating and non-penetrating captive-bolt stunning of bulls

Meat Science (2019)

TJ Gibson Steffan Edward Octávio Oliveira F. A. Dalla Costa Neville G. Gregory

The electroencephalographic (EEG) responses of 31 bulls (zebu crossbred cattle) stunned with either pneumatically powered Jarvis penetrating (PCB) or non-penetrating captive bolt (NPCB) was examined. Animals were organized into two treatment groups: PCB (n = 20); and NPCB (n = 11) stunning, both using airline pressures of 220 psi (1517 kPa). All bulls shot with PCB (n = 20/20) had patterns of EEG activity that were inconsistent with consciousness. Of the cattle shot with NPCB 82% (n = 9/11) showed waveforms suggesting complete unconsciousness. After stunning two NPCB bulls had periods of normal EEG activity and maintenance (Ptot, delta, theta, beta) or increased (alpha) spectral power compared to pre-treatment values, indicating incomplete concussion. The study showed that pneumatic PCB stunning was effective in rendering all bulls unconscious, while NPCB was less effective. This highlights the potential animal welfare risks associated with NPCB compared to PCB stunning of mature bulls in commercial abattoirs.

Stunning

Unconsciousness

Zebu

Adult male

10.1016/j.meatsci.2019.01.006

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Evaluation of physical euthanasia for neonatal piglets on-farm

Journal of Animal Science (2020)

F. A. Dalla Costa TJ Gibson Steffan Edward Octávio Oliveira Neville G. Gregory Arlei Coldebella

Abstract 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 hemorrhage 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 before 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 the onset of persistent isoelectric EEG was 64.3 ± 7.3 s (range 18 to 115). Total power, theta, alpha, and beta power decreased to approximately 45%, 30%, 20%, and 15% from pretreatment 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. Hemorrhage 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 the 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. As with blunt force trauma, there is a significant potential for animal welfare harm associated with inappropriate practice, lack of accuracy, issues with repeatability, and operator fatigue.

Frontal lobe

10.1093/jas/skaa204

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FATORES ANTI-NUTRICIONAIS PARA RUMINANTES

Acta Veterinaria Brno (2010)

Dorgival Morais de Lima Júnior Paulo de Barros Sáles Monteiro Adriano Henrique do Nascimento Rangel Michel do Vale Maciel Steffan Edward Octávio Oliveira

The presence of anti-nutritional factors in food is a reflection of the chemical warfare that exists between higher plants and herbivorous animals. Several substances of secondary metabolism of plants has been used as a defense against herbivores. Polyphenolic compounds, TPD and enzyme inhibitors contribute to promote organic imbalances in animals and prevent the use of vegetative parts of plants. However, strategies are used by animals, both at the cellular and behavioral, to prevent intoxication or reduce its negative effects. The interactive effects between the rumen microorganisms and anti-nutritional substances allow the intake of a variety of plant species and ruminants becomes resistant to relatively high concentrations of some anti-nutritional factors. However, due to the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of the rumen, some anti-nutritional substances is enhancing the effects.

10.21708/avb.2010.4.3.1818

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Effects of high airline pressures on stunning cattle with pneumatically powered captive bolt guns.

Steffan Edward Octávio Oliveira N. G. Gregory F. A. Dalla Costa M. C. C. Betancourt Mateus José Rodrigues Paranhos da Costa

Stunning

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Efficiency of low versus high airline pressure in stunning cattle with a pneumatically powered penetrating captive bolt gun

Meat Science (2017)

Steffan Edward Octávio Oliveira Neville G. Gregory F. A. Dalla Costa TJ Gibson Mateus José Rodrigues Paranhos da Costa