FIXATION OF SLAUGHTERPIGS FOR ELECTRICAL STUNNING - PIGLIFT, A NEW DEVICE FOR CAREFUL CONVEYANCE AND FIXATION OF PIGS

A device (PIGLET) was developed for careful conveyance and fixation of pigs for electrical stunning combined with recumbent bleeding. Specia l emphasis was put on critical points, such as low stress in the fixat ion-device, possibility to place the electrodes correctly and easy ope ration. The PIGLIFT was tested under practical conditions, the reactio n of the pigs to fixation and the position of the electrodes were inve stigated. Under practical conditions 98% of the pigs rested quiet or s howed only little movements and could easily be lifted and conveyed to wards the stunning position. It was possible to place both the electro des behind the ear and the heart electrode at the lateral chest correc tly for all animals (line speed 120/h). Animals were bleeded on averag e 10,2 s after the beginning of stunning. It is concluded, that this k ind of fixation from the point of welfare and operation aspects shows considerable advantages to stunning in the pen and usual fixation devi ces. Advantages concerning welfare and meat quality of fixation before stunning and possible disadvantages of deficient devices are discusse d. Further investigations and developements are necessary.