Amelioration of electroencephalographic responses to slaughter by non-penetrative captive-bolt stunning after ventral-neck incision in halothane-anaesthetised calves

Abstract

Non-penetrative captive-bolt stunning after ventral-neck incision resulted in the cessation of functional cortical activity in the majority of calves. This procedure prevented the development of cerebrocortical responses to ventral-neck incision, demonstrated elsewhere, which would be painful in conscious animals subjected to this procedure. In addition, instances of carotid arterial occlusion had no significant effect on the decrease in arterial blood pressure.