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Constant Current Stunning of Market Weight Broilers

Department of Food Science and Technology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0418; Phone: (703) 231-8142; FAX: (703) 231-9293

John Marcy

Department of Poultry Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701

Michael Hulet

Department of Poultry Science, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA 16003

Correspondence: Dafne Rawles

This study investigated the parameters involved in the stunning of market weight chickens. Researchers used a prototype constant current stunner, designed and produced by the Department of Electrical Engineering of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, to electrically stun broilers with 8, 29, or 50 mA/bird. Three weight classes existed, controlled by age: Broiler males grown for 34, 43, or 50 days or females for 37, 44, or 51 days. Pre-stun levels of 3, 5, or 8 hr of feed and water withdrawal were used for each weight class and sex. The effects of sex, weight, and feed and water withdrawal on stunning efficiency, recovery time, blood splatter, and bone breakage were determined. The experimental unit, determined by sex, weight, and feed withdrawal, was a "pen" of ten birds. A total of 130 birds of each sex were used for each of two repetitions. Results indicated a significant (P. 001) gender difference in resistance, recovery time, and prevalence of defects in broilers.

Key Words: Broilers • constant current • stunning