title: Development of a microwave energy delivery system for reversible stunning of cattle.
abstract: Stunning prior to slaughter is commonly used to render the animal insensible to pain. However, for certain markets, stunning is disallowed, unless the animal can fully recover if not slaughtered. There are very few available methods of inducing a fully recoverable stun. This paper describes the development of a microwave energy application system for stunning cattle. Cadaver heads were used to demonstrate that brain temperature could be raised to a point at which insensibility would be expected to occur (44°C), and to calculate the power and time combinations required to achieve this in a range of cattle weights. Surface heating was identified as a cause for potential concern, which was mitigated by the development of another type of microwave applicator. Although the applicator and process variables require validation in animal studies, this technology shows promise as a method of inducing a recoverable stun.
authors.affiliation: Advanced Microwave Technologies, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong, NSW 2500, Australia.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: McLean
authors.affiliation: Advanced Microwave Technologies, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong, NSW 2500, Australia.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Meers
authors.affiliation: Wagstaff Cranbourne Pty Ltd, 15 Moorakyne Avenue, Malvern, VIC 3144, Australia.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ralph
authors.affiliation: PO Box 5227, Manly, QLD 4179, Australia.
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Owen
authors.affiliation: CSIRO Agriculture and Food, FD McMaster Laboratory, Locked Bag 1, Armidale, NSW 2350, Australia. Electronic address: Alison.small@csiro.au.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Small
mesh_terms: D000003:Abattoirs; D000827:Animal Welfare; D000818:Animals; D002102:Cadaver; D002417:Cattle; D006358:Hot Temperature; D008872:Microwaves; D010146:Pain / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary*; D014474:Unconsciousness / Q000662:veterinary
keywords: Animal welfare; Cattle; Electromagnetic stun; Humane slaughter; Insensibility; Syncope