Plasma beta-endorphin increase following electrical stunning in sheep.
Plasma concentrations of beta-endorphin were assayed in 10 sheep during the conscious state and in relation to electrical stunning. There was a 2 fold increase after stunning, and a further elevation following recovery. On this basis it is possible that recovery from electrical stunning at slaughter may cause undue distress, and it is suggested that exsanguination must be carried out promptly.
Anil
M H
MH
AFRC Institute of Food Research, Langford, Bristol.
Fordham
D P
DP
Rodway
R G
RG
D000818:Animals; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D005260:Female; D007103:Immobilization; D012016:Reference Values; D012756:Sheep / Q000502:physiology*; D001615:beta-Endorphin / Q000097:blood*
D001615:beta-Endorphin