HOT TOPICS SESSION Matthew Terns John Morrell Food Group
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CAPTIVE BOLT TECHNOLOGY FOR ON FARM EUTHANASIA OF TURKEYS Tim Knight, Ph.D. Associate Principal Scientist, Kraft Foods Group, Inc./Oscar Mayer
On-farm euthanasia When caring for animals, it is inevitable that some will become ill, debilitated, or injured. If unlikely to respond favorably to treatment or if treatment is not feasible, humane euthanasia is the best option. The use of mechanically applied methods of euthanasia are emerging as an improvement in practices used on-farm. Recent advances in captive bolt technologies have resulted in new designs that are sized and designed for smaller animals. All euthanasia methods should be administered according to the AVMA guidelines for euthanasia of animals and should include a written action plan and worker safety training.
Production practices Turkey farms Food and nutrients Clean water Shelter from the elements Protection from predators Proper medical care Turkey production A
Euthanasia methods for turkeys Blunt force trauma is the most common cull method for turkeys over 5 weeks old. Other methods are challenging in a large turkey house. The use of non-penetrating captive bolt specifically for the onfarm culling of large turkeys is becoming more common in the US. It is proving to be a more consistent and reliable means of euthanasia.
Captive bolt Mechanically assisted blunt force trauma A pneumatic or powder fired retractable blunt metal rod, which when applied properly to the skull, causes severe physical damage to the brain and microscopic subdural hemorrhaging. Results in instantaneous death.
Captive bolt application to turkeys Applied perpendicular to frontal bone midline between eyes and ears where there is a natural depression in the skull. This is directly above the cerebral hemisphere and brainstem, which are the center of consciousness. Trauma to the brain must be severe enough to permanently induce loss of consciousness and subsequent death.
Step-by-step Large birds require more stun energy and small birds require less stun energy. Adaptors for small birds are available. The process needs to be reliable, consistent, irreversible, and safe for both the birds and on-farm personnel.
Advantages Minimizes handling of live birds Accuracy and consistency of application Increased effectiveness of primary application Reliability Worker safety Easy training and operation No chemicals
Euthanasia Guidelines is a companion document for the Animal Care Guidelines for the Production of Turkeys Developed by committee. Specifics Why euthanasia is necessary. When euthanasia is appropriate. Methods of euthanasia. Training and documentation. Referenced to literature. Differentiates between manual and mechanically assisted BFT.
Future state Captive bolt is the most appropriate method for on-farm euthanasia of large turkeys. Other industries are moving towards captive bolt on-farm. Oscar Mayer contracted turkey growers now use captive bolt.
Animal welfare impact the total supply chain The impact of animal welfare, positive or negative, impacts downstream members of the supply chain Animal welfare plays a role in consumer purchase decisions Messaging and behavior must converge to maintain the benefits of positive animal welfare statements or labeling
Industry Feedback Loop Retailer Grower Packer Processor Consumer Opportunities to have a unanimous voice as an industry