Captive-bolt followed by pithing or bleeding for neonates

Recent research has demonstrated that non-penetrative captive-bolt devices are capable of humanely stun/killing neonate piglets and goat kids. Piglets up-to 10.9 kg (0 – 28 days old) should be shot on the midline on the frontal/parietal bone, whereas goat kids less-than 8-days old, should be shot on the midline, between the ears with the chin tucked into the neck.  With both species a mechanical captive-bolt device should be used that develops ≥27.7 Joules energy.

Young lambs (under 9 kg) can be killed by a non-penetrative captive-bolt device with sufficient power (≥50 Joules) applied to the head, followed by the severing of the neck vessels as a small proportion of the lambs are simply stunned and not killed.

To kill calves it is recommended that a penetrative-captive-bolt is used along with the heaviest charge available. The animal should be then pithed (see Pithing in adult mammal section) or bled to ensure rapid death. A deep cut from ear to ear with a sharp knife will ensure all major vessels are severed. However, when bleeding calves it is better to use a chest stick where possible.

As mentioned previously in the Penetrative captive-bolt (adult mammal) section, captive-bolt equipment must always be cleaned after use in order to prevent corrosion and pitting of the bolt. A build-up of carbon deposits in the breech can greatly reduce the velocity of the bolt; regular cleaning and maintenance will prevent this. The HSA publication package (DVD and booklet) on Emergency Slaughter https://www.hsa.org.uk/shop/publications-1/product/emergency-slaughter describes and shows the recommended cleaning method in detail.

As with adults, if there is doubt surrounding the efficacy of the stun the procedure should be performed again immediately. If the first attempt was off-target the second shot should be performed in the correct position. If the first shot was in the correct position but ineffective the second should be above and to one side of the normal target position.

Considerations when using blow to the head during depopulation due to disease control

This method has many advantages. Primarily, the immediate onset of unconsciousness which is sustained throughout the killing process minimises pain and suffering making it a very humane method. Compared to delivering a blow to the head manually, using a captive-bolt device gives much higher reliability in terms of power. Also, as the device is positioned when stationary there is a reduced risk of misplaced impact.  In addition, the mobility of this equipment reduces the need to move animals, which is beneficial for animal welfare and also for the prevention of disease-spread.

There are also disadvantages associated with using captive-bolt devices to stun or kill neonate mammals. As with using a captive-bolt device on adults, the animal must be restrained. Restraining a neonate may be easier than an adult but care must still be taken to prevent injury.  Misplaced shots may be a particular problem if the animals are not adequately restrained and/or become agitated as they may not remain still. The safety of the personnel performing the pithing or bleeding may be jeopardised by the animals’ post-stun convulsions. As with the use of firearms the destruction of brain tissue may prevent the diagnosis of some diseases and the leakage of body fluids may pose a biosecurity risk.

Conclusion – species and situations

This method is humane and suitable for use across mammalian species: piglets, kids, lambs and calves.

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