This section provides a guide to the correct stunning position and direction for certain animals, and
helps you to select the correct cartridge for that animal.
The cartridge selection information provided within this section of this instruction manual is not
categorical and is hence supplied as guidance only.
GOOD PRACTISE
4Understand animal welfare - refer to the Animal Welfare section for further guidance
4Always ensure your stunning tool is in good working order
4Stunning tools should be cleaned and maintained in accordance with the
instructions within this manual
4Ensure at least 2 stunning tools are present near the stun box
4Stunning tools will require more maintenance if used with cartridges that are more powerful
than is necessary for the target animal
EFFECTIVE STUNNING
The cartridge selection and the blow being applied to the correct part of the skull and in the right
direction is important in ensuring an effective stun. Refer to the diagrams and selection charts within this
section as guidance towards selection. To obtain maximum effect, the muzzle of the tool must be struck
accurately on the target animals head.
The physical signs of an effective stun are:
Quadrupeds
4Animal collapses
4No rhythmic breathing
4Fixed, glazed expression in the eyes
4No corneal reex
4Relaxed jaw
4Tongue hanging loose
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE STUN MUST BE VERIFIED BEFORE THE ANIMAL IS SLAUGHTERED.
FAILURE TO STUN
If an animal is not properly stunned it must be re-stunned immediately. Using the second or an
alternative stunning tool, a repeat shot must always be placed so as to avoid the immediate area of
the rst shot.
STUN-TO-STICK TIMES
The humane killing of livestock using captive-bolt equipment is a two-stage procedure. After the animal
has been stunned, it must be bled (or pithed*) immediately to ensure rapid death.
The stun-to-stick interval is the time from the application of stunning equipment to the start of bleeding.
After stunning, sticking should be conducted without delay with a maximum stun-to-stick interval of 15
seconds recommended for all species in the eld. In the abattoir, all pigs, sheep and goats should also be
stuck within 15 seconds. However, on the majority of cattle lines, where the carcass must be hoisted
to a bleed area, maximum stun-to-stick intervals of 60 seconds for the penetrative captive-bolt are
acceptable. (These gures are obtained from the Humane Slaughter Association (HSA) website).
* Dependant upon localised regulations in force.
CASH®Cowpuncher
EFFECTIVE STUNNING AND
CARTRIDGE SELECTION
P9
SECTION 5
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