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Animal welfare (South Mimms, England)2025; 33; e65; doi: 10.1017/awf.2024.70

Assessment of ante mortem welfare indicators and the pathophysiology of captive-bolt trauma in equids at slaughter.

Abstract: There is limited research into horse slaughter, particularly ante mortem welfare, and the effectiveness of captive-bolt gun (CBG) stunning, despite this being a widely used method worldwide. To address this evidence gap and explore associations between ante and post mortem factors, the welfare of 62 horses was assessed at a commercial Italian abattoir. Animal-based measures were used to identify stress-related behaviours and stunning effectiveness. A sub-sample (44%; 27/62) of heads were assessed for gross brain pathology. All animals in the study showed stress-related behaviours at all stages of the slaughter process. Additionally, 53% (33/62) of horses slipped in the stunning box, with poor floor surface condition and use of force associated with this. At least one sign of an ineffective stun was observed in 22% (14/62) of animals. Six animals were shot twice, with the application of a second shot significantly associated with a higher stress behaviour index score in the stunning box. Damage to critical brainstem structures was found in 85% (23/27) of heads that were assessed with gross pathology. An absence of damage to critical brainstem structures meant that animals were ten times more likely to show signs of ineffective stunning. These results highlight the risks to equine welfare throughout the slaughter process and suggest that mitigating ante mortem stress could improve stunning effectiveness, whilst CBG usage should be refined to ensure that critical brainstem structures are targeted.
© The Author(s) 2025.
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Publication Date: 2025-01-03 PubMed ID: 39777369PubMed Central: PMC11704570DOI: 10.1017/awf.2024.70Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research investigates the welfare of horses before death (ante mortem) and the effectiveness of using captive-bolt guns for stunning during slaughter. It found that all horses displayed stress-related behaviors throughout the slaughter process, and ineffective stunning was common, suggesting the need for improved conditions and techniques.

Research Purpose and Methodology

  • The purpose of this research was to gather empirical evidence regarding ante mortem welfare and the effectiveness of captive bolt guns (CBG), a prevailing method for stunning horses at slaughterhouses. This was motivated by limited existing research on these topics.
  • The researchers conducted their study at an operational abattoir in Italy and assessed the welfare of 62 horses through the slaughtering process.
  • Stress-related horse behaviours and the effectiveness of stunning methods were observed and recorded. A portion of these horses’ heads (44% or 27 out of 62) were evaluated for brain pathology.

Key Findings

  • All horses involved in the study displayed stress-induced behaviours at every stage of the slaughter process.
  • More than half of the horses (53% or 33 out of 62) slipped in the stunning box, with contributing factors including poor floor surface condition and use of force.
  • In terms of ineffective stunning, at least one sign was observed in 22% (14 out of 62) horses. Six horses were shot twice, a scenario which significantly corresponded with higher stress behaviour index scores within the stunning box.
  • Of the 27 horse heads evaluated for gross pathology, 85% (23 out of 27) exhibited damage to critical brainstem structures.
  • Horses with no damage to critical brainstem structures were ten times more likely to showcase signs of ineffective stunning.

Study Conclusion and Recommendation

  • The results underscore the risks to horse welfare during the entire slaughter process, particularly with regard to the distress experienced by the animals and the effectiveness of stunning.
  • The research suggests that mitigating the stress experienced by horses before death (ante mortem) could enhance the effectiveness of stunning. Moreover, the application of captive bolt guns should be refined to ensure that they target and impact the necessary brainstem structures, thereby making the stunning process more effective.

Cite This Article

APA
Fletcher KA, Padalino B, Felici M, Bigi D, Limon-Vega G, Grist A, Gibson TJ. (2025). Assessment of ante mortem welfare indicators and the pathophysiology of captive-bolt trauma in equids at slaughter. Anim Welf, 33, e65. https://doi.org/10.1017/awf.2024.70

Publication

Animal welfare (South Mimms, England)
ISSN: 2054-1538
NlmUniqueID: 9214272
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 33
Pages: e65
PII: e65

Researcher Affiliations

Fletcher, Katharine A
  • Animal Welfare Science and Ethics Group, Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK.
Padalino, Barbara
  • Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, Viale Giuseppe Fanin 46, 40127 Bologna, Italy.
  • Faculty of Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, East Lismore, NSW 2480, Australia.
Felici, Martina
  • Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, Viale Giuseppe Fanin 46, 40127 Bologna, Italy.
Bigi, Daniele
  • Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, Viale Giuseppe Fanin 46, 40127 Bologna, Italy.
Limon-Vega, Georgina
  • Veterinary Epidemiology, Economics and Public Health Group, Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK.
  • The Pirbright Institute, Woking GU24 0NF, UK.
Grist, Andrew
  • Animal Welfare and Behaviour Group, School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Langford BS40 5DU, UK.
Gibson, Troy J
  • Animal Welfare Science and Ethics Group, Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK.

Conflict of Interest Statement

None.

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