Evaluation of on-farm euthanasia of broiler breeders utilizing captive bolt, electrocution, mechanical cervical dislocation, and carbon dioxide

Authors: BOYAL, RANJIT - Auburn University; Buhr, Richard - Jeff; Harris, Caitlin; LEONIE, JACOBS - Virginia Tech; BOURASSA, DIANNA - Auburn University

Submitted to: Poultry Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/6/2022
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Considerable effort has been devoted to the development of effective, humane methods for euthanizing large poultry. When euthanasia is the only option, the technique employed should result in rapid loss of consciousness followed by cardiac or respiratory arrest and, ultimately, a loss of brain function and death. Cervical dislocation is considered to be acceptable for poultry but becomes a problematic for use with larger older birds such as broiler breeders and turkeys due to their size. Due to these physical challenges alternative methods of euthanasia need to be investigated for mature and larger poultry like turkeys, broiler breeders, or older layers. The American Veterinary Medical Association has approved alternative methods of euthanasia including mechanical cervical dislocation, captive bolt, electrical euthanasia, and carbon dioxide which were evaluated on broiler breeders. Following application of each method on broiler breeder hens and roosters, physical reflexes, broken skin, blood loss, and kill success were assessed. The results indicate that all four euthanasia methods were successful with no significant differences efficacy. The kill success rates for the euthanasia methods was found to be 97% for mechanical cervical dislocation, 98% for carbon dioxide, ad 100% for captive bolt and electrical euthanasia. Based on these results each of the methods successfully euthanized the broiler breeders and were safe to use when manual cervical dislocation would not be possible.

Technical Abstract: Applying manual cervical dislocation can be difficult on larger and mature poultry weighing between 4 to 30 kg. The problem with using manual cervical dislocation is that the strength required to hold mature poultry and swiftly apply cervical dislocation can be physically impossible for most people. Due to these physical challenges alternative methods of euthanasia need to be investigated for mature and larger poultry like turkeys, broiler breeders, or older layers. The American Veterinary Medical Association has approved alternative methods of euthanasia including mechanical cervical dislocation, captive bolt, electrical euthanasia, and carbon dioxide which were evaluated on broiler breeders. Following application of each method, physical reflexes, broken skin, blood loss, and kill success were assessed. The results indicate that all four euthanasia methods were successful with no significant differences. The kill success rates for the euthanasia methods was found to be 97% for mechanical cervical dislocation, 98% for carbon dioxide, ad 100% for captive bolt and electrical euthanasia. Based on these results each of the methods successfully euthanized the broiler breeders and were safe to use when manual cervical dislocation would not be possible.