SLAUGHTER & DRESSING, ELECTRICAL STIMULATION, and TRACEABILITY

What is the primary goal of slaughtering and dressing in the New Zealand meat industry?

To meet statutory obligations, segregate edible and inedible parts, and maximize product quality and shelf-life.

How can pre-slaughter stress impact meat quality?

It can affect the tenderness and eating quality of the meat.

What technology is used to improve meat product quality post-slaughter?

Electrical stimulation of carcasses.

What are the requirements for animal health and transport in New Zealand?

Establishing lifetime identities for cattle and deer and strategies to achieve tuberculosis-free status by 2016.

What is the purpose of stunning in the slaughter process?

To render the animal unconscious and insensible to pain before slaughter.

What are the two types of percussive stunning?

Penetrative percussive stunning and non-penetrative percussive stunning.

What is electro-immobilisation?

A method of stunning that uses electrical currents to immobilize the animal.

What are the physiological effects of electrical stunning?

It induces immediate unconsciousness and insensitivity to pain.

What is the significance of the stun-to-stick interval?

It refers to the time between stunning the animal and bleeding it, which affects meat quality.

What are the main dressing methods used in meat processing?

Methods include evisceration and various dressing techniques.

What is cold shortening in meat processing?

A phenomenon where muscle fibers contract and toughen due to rapid cooling after slaughter.

What is the purpose of conditioning in meat processing?

To improve tenderness and enhance flavor through enzymatic activity post-slaughter.

What is aging in the context of meat processing?

A process that allows meat to tenderize and develop flavor over time under controlled conditions.

What are the parameters for electrical stimulation?

Includes electrical parameters, time, duration, and electrode application.

What is the role of muscle glycogen reserves in meat quality?

They influence the pH and water-holding capacity of the meat post-mortem.

What is traceability in meat processing?

The ability to track the history, application, or location of the meat product throughout the supply chain.

What are the benefits of traceability proposals in meat processing?

Improved food safety, quality assurance, and cost-effectiveness.

What factors should be considered when choosing a slaughter method?

Animal welfare, costs, operator safety, versatility, effects on carcass quality, and market requirements.

What is the importance of quality control in the slaughter process?

To ensure that meat products meet safety and quality standards.

What is the significance of bleeding (sticking) in the slaughter process?

It is essential for ensuring the quality and safety of the meat by removing blood from the carcass.

What is the role of stunning apparatus in slaughter?

To effectively render the animal unconscious before processing.

What are the signs of an effective stun?

Indicators include immediate loss of consciousness and lack of reflexes.

What is the impact of operator safety on slaughter methods?

Choosing methods that minimize risk to workers while ensuring humane treatment of animals.

What is the relationship between processing parameters and meat tenderness?

Processing parameters directly influence the biochemical changes that affect tenderness.

What are the challenges associated with evisceration?

Ensuring that no contamination occurs and that all organs are removed efficiently.

What is the purpose of maintenance of stunning equipment?

To ensure consistent performance and safety during the slaughter process.

What are the two distinct processes involved in the commercial slaughter of animals?

Stunning and bleeding (sticking).

What is the purpose of stunning in animal slaughter?

To render the animal immediately unconscious and ensure it does not regain consciousness before death.

What does the bleeding process involve?

Severing the major arteries to ensure the death of the animal and remove excess blood from its tissues.

What is the legal responsibility under the Slaughter of Stock, Game and Poultry regulation (1969)?

To ensure humane slaughter practices, including stunning and bleeding.

How does stunning affect the neurons in the brain?

It renders them temporarily or permanently incapable of receiving or interpreting signals, resulting in unconsciousness.

What is the effect of severing the carotid arteries in sheep during slaughter?

The brain loses its oxygen supply and the animal becomes unconscious within 3-8 seconds.

Why does it take longer for cattle to become unconscious due to bleeding?

Because the vertebral arteries, which supply blood to the brain, are not severed during normal methods of sticking.

What is required for a humane slaughter process?

A method of stunning that causes immediate unconsciousness, followed by effective bleeding while the animal is still unconscious.

What is the role of the brain in controlling vital processes in animals?

The brain is the seat of consciousness and controls vital processes through a complex system of interconnecting nerve cells.

How does the brain generate impulses in response to sensory stimuli?

Sensory stimuli are transmitted to the brain via afferent nerves, which generate electrical impulses that result in appropriate reactions.

What happens to the brain's function when the blood supply is cut off?

Unconsciousness occurs quickly, followed by the death of neurons and ultimately death of the animal.

What can temporarily disrupt the function of neurons in the brain?

Surges of electrical current, concussion, or chemicals that affect their ability to transmit impulses.

What is the consequence of causing permanent damage to the neurons?

It results in permanent unconsciousness and death of the animal.

What are the three main divisions of the brain?

Cerebrum, cerebellum, and brain stem/medulla.

How can the functional state of the brain be measured?

By recording the electrical activity in the neurons using electroencephalograms (EEG) or electrocorticograms (ECoG).

What is the role of blood in brain function?

Blood supplies oxygen and glucose, which are essential for the brain to remain functional.

What happens to the brain when the heart stops pumping blood?

The brain is deprived of oxygen and glucose, leading to unconsciousness and death of neurons.

What is the brachiocephalic trunk?

A large vessel that supplies blood to the head and neck, dividing into the common carotid arteries.

What is the significance of the cerebellum?

It is associated with perception and intelligence.

What is the effect of spinal reflexes in unconscious animals after slaughter?

They can cause uncontrolled movements, such as violent kicking.

What is the purpose of a captive bolt pistol in slaughter?

To cause gross physical damage to the brain, resulting in permanent insensibility.

What is the difference between temporary and permanent impairment of brain function?

Temporary impairment leads to unconsciousness, while permanent impairment results in death.

What is the time frame for the brain to become 'brain dead' after oxygen deprivation?

The brain can become effectively 'brain dead' within 30 seconds after oxygen deprivation.

What is the relationship between the brain and sensory organs?

Sensory organs generate stimuli that are transmitted to the brain for processing and reaction.

What happens during the process of Halal slaughter?

The carotid arteries are severed by a transverse incision of the neck.

What is the analogy used to describe the brain's energy needs?

The brain needs a constant supply of oxygen and glucose, similar to a computer needing a power source.

What is the role of the aorta in blood circulation?

The aorta supplies blood to the trunk and hind limbs.

What do the carotid arteries supply?

The carotid arteries supply blood to the head and brain.

What are jugular veins responsible for?

Jugular veins return blood from the head, brain, and neck to the heart.

What happens to the heart's rhythm during electrical stunning?

Electrical stunning can inhibit the heart's natural pace-maker, causing ventricular fibrillation.

Why is the interval between stunning and sticking critical?

It must be short enough to prevent the animal from recovering consciousness before irreversible brain damage occurs.

What is the effect of severing only one carotid artery during halal slaughter?

If only one carotid artery is severed, the sheep may take 30 seconds to bleed to unconsciousness instead of 10 seconds.

What are the major factors in choosing a slaughter method?

Animal welfare, capital costs, running costs, operator safety, versatility, and effects on carcass quality.

How do capital costs of stunning equipment compare?

Captive bolt pistols have lower capital costs than electrical stunning equipment, but higher running costs.

What is a significant safety concern with electrical stunners?

Electrical stunners operate at potentially lethal current levels for operators.

What is the importance of proper training for slaughter personnel?

Personnel must be trained to recognize humane and non-humane operations and effectively use stunning equipment.

What does versatility in slaughter methods refer to?

The ability to effectively slaughter different species and classes of stock.

How can different slaughter methods affect carcass quality?

Methods can lead to bruising or contamination, affecting the final quality and by-products.

What is the consequence of using penetrative percussive stunning?

It precludes the use of the brain as an edible by-product due to hemorrhage and contamination.

What is the primary concern regarding animal welfare in slaughter?

Minimizing distress and ensuring immediate unconsciousness during the slaughter process.

What is the effect of uncontrolled movements during stunning?

They can lead to ineffective stunning, making it difficult to apply the stunning equipment accurately.

What is the role of the heart's nervous system?

It controls the heart's rhythmic activity through small electrical impulses.

What happens to the heart after stunning with a captive bolt?

The heart continues to show normal rhythmical activity for several minutes after stunning.

What is the total blood volume of a sheep?

Around 3.2 liters.

What is the importance of severing appropriate arteries during slaughter?

To ensure effective bleeding and prevent recovery of consciousness.

What are the two main types of stunning methods mentioned?

Electrical stunning and percussive stunning (e.g., captive bolt).

Why is operator safety crucial in slaughter operations?

To prevent injuries from potentially dangerous equipment and animal reflex movements.

What is the effect of head-to-body electrical stunning compared to head-only?

Head-to-body stunning inhibits involuntary reflex movements more effectively.

What is the consequence of ineffective stunning?

It can lead to increased animal distress and a longer time to unconsciousness.

What is a critical factor in the design of slaughter equipment?

It must allow for effective animal restraint to ensure safety and humane treatment.

What is the relationship between animal restraint and stunning effectiveness?

Proper restraint is essential for accurate application of stunning equipment.

What is the impact of electrical stunning on the heart?

It can disrupt the heart's natural rhythm, leading to ineffective blood circulation.

What should be considered when evaluating the effects on carcass quality?

Bruising, contamination, and the time between stunning and bleeding.

What are the two broad categories of stunning methods?

Percussive and electrical.

What is the main concern with head-only electrical stunning?

It can lead to blood splash in the muscle.

What is 'speckle' in the context of stunning?

Small haemorrhages in meat and connective tissue resulting from head-to-body stunning.

What must all methods of slaughter comply with in New Zealand?

New Zealand's legislation.

What is a key requirement for slaughtering for the Muslim market?

Compliance with the Slaughter of Stock Game and Poultry Regulation (1969) and specific Islamic requirements.

What is the only practical method of penetrative percussive stunning in sheep?

Using a captive bolt pistol.

How does percussive stunning induce unconsciousness?

By creating pressure waves in the brain that cause depolarisation of neurones.

What happens if the animal is not killed after percussive stunning?

The animal may show signs of an epileptiform fit as neurones repolarise.

What is the main difference between penetrative and non-penetrative percussive stunning?

Penetrative stunning involves a projectile penetrating the head, while non-penetrative does not.

What is a captive bolt pistol?

A device that uses a steel rod propelled by a charge to penetrate the head of the animal.

What is critical for the effectiveness of a captive bolt pistol?

The position of application on the head and the direction of the projectile.

Where should the captive bolt be aimed for effective stunning in sheep?

The frontal region of the head, specifically at the intersection of imaginary lines from above one eye to the opposite ear.

What maintenance is required for percussive stunning equipment?

Regular inspection, maintenance, and lubrication.

What can happen if a captive bolt pistol is poorly maintained?

It can lead to reduced speed of the bolt and ineffective stunning.

What is the recommended cleaning frequency for captive bolt pistols?

They should be cleaned each day they are used.

What is the consequence of excessive wear on the captive bolt pistol?

It can cause gas to escape and reduce propulsive force.

What is the impact of a non-penetrative percussive stunning device on sheep?

It has no application for use in sheep.

What is the role of the piston in a captive bolt pistol?

To propel the bolt forward to penetrate the animal's head.

What is the typical propulsive force used in captive bolt pistols?

A blank cartridge of 0.22 inch (5.6mm) calibre or compressed air.

What can cause increased frictional forces around the captive bolt pistol?

Corrosion or build-up of carbon.

What is the effect of a temporary increase in blood pressure from percussive stunning?

It is not significant in cattle but can cause blood splash in lambs and pigs.