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A captive bolt pistol (stunner) is a device used for Stunning animals prior to Slaughter . It can also be called a ''cattle gun'' or a ''stunbolt gun''. The stunning is essential to prevent the pain and suffering of the animal through the Bleeding ( Exsanguination ) process (which is itself necessary to prevent meat Spoilage ). The principle behind Captive Bolt Stunning is a forceful strike on the forehead using a bolt to induce Unconsciousness . The bolt may or may not destroy part of the Brain , depending on which method is used. The bolt is a heavy rod made of non-rusting alloys, such as Stainless Steel . It is held in position inside the barrel of the stunner by means of rubber washers. The bolt is not usually visible in a stunner that's in good condition. The bolt is propelled forward by the discharge of a Blank Round , which is ignited by a firing pin (actuated by a trigger pull). After striking a shallow but forceful blow on (or through) the forehead of the animal, spring tension causes the bolt to recoil back into the barrel. VARIATIONS The captive bolt pistols are of two types, penetrating and '''non-penetrating'''. In the penetrating type, the stunner uses a pointed Bolt which is propelled by a Blank Cartridge or pressurized air. The bolt penetrates the Skull of the animal, enters the cranium, and destroys the Cerebrum and part of the Cerebellum . Due to Concussion , destruction of vital centres of Brain and a reduction in intra-cranial pressure, the animal loses its consciousness and ability to feel pain. After striking, the bolt recoils back into the barrel. This method is currently the most effective and widely used type of stunning, since it physically obliterates the brain matter (guaranteeing a successful stun), while also leaving the Brain Stem intact (thus ensuring the heart continues to beat, allowing for a successful Bleed ). In the non-penetrating type, the bolt used is blunt with a mushroom-shaped tip. The bolt strikes the forehead with great force and recoils back. This concussion is responsible for the unconsciousness of the animal. Such bolts prevent massive injury to the brain and make it suitable for human consumption. This type of stunner is no longer widely used, since it is less reliable at causing immediate and permanent unconsciousness on a single stroke. There is another type of stunner called a free bullet stunner, which is used for the emergency in-the-field Euthanasia of large farm animals which are unable to be restrained. It differs from a true captive bolt gun in that the projectile is not retractable; it is similar in operation to a Powder-actuated Nail Gun . Capable of firing only when pressed firmly against a surface (typically the animal's forehead), the device fires a small, heavy projectile through the animal's thick skull. The Veterinarian can then either leave the animal to expire painlessly, or administer lethal drugs on the spot as necessary. HOW THEY ARE USED With Cattle , Goats , and Sheep , a penetrating stunner is typically used since it destroys the Cerebrum while leaving the Brain Stem intact; this results in a more consistently reliable stun, and ensures the animal's heart continues to beat during the Bleeding process. In some Veal operations, a non-penetrating concussive stunner is used in order to preserve the Brains for further processing. HOW AND WHY TO USE THEM Captive bolt stunners are safer to use in most red meat slaughter situations. There is no danger of ricochet or overpenetration as there is with regular firearms. Captive bolts allow for meat trimming from the head to be salvaged. Effective stunning requires the operator to wait until the animal turns its head towards him or holds still. The operator should not attempt to "chase" the animal's head to stun, as such a stun may not always be effective in rendering the animal unconscious. Most animal are stunned at a place on the forehead or pate above the eyes. To visualize the stunning area, draw an imaginary cross above the eyes and below the ears in the middle of the forehead. Some animals (old Hereford cattle---too much hair on forehead/pate; and bulls---too thick a skull) are stunned at the back of the poll. This is known as poll knocking. It can render livestock unconscious, but may require more attempts since the placement of the bolt is harder (place the bolt in the space where the skull meets the head in the depression that it makes. The cartridges typically use 2 to 3 Grain s (130 to 190 mg) of Gunpowder , but can use up to 7 grains (450 mg) in the case of large animals such as bulls. The velocity of the bolt is usually 55 m/s in the case of small animals and 75 m/s in the case of large animals. There are certain specific stunning sites for various animals:
For all polled animals, the site is at the center of forehead, the shot being directed towards the Gullet . |
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