Effectiveness of different electrical stunning regimens for turkeys and consequences for carcase quality

1. This study examined the effectiveness of electrical stunning of turkeys applied at 150 mA per bird utilising a range of waveform-frequency combinat ions. In addition, the effect of stunning treatment on subsequent carcase q uality was examined. 2. The effectiveness of stunning, as judged by time to recovery, was simila r regardless of bird weight or applied stunning treatment. 3. Increasing waveform frequency was associated with a decrease in the prev alence of ventricular fibrillation, although turkeys appeared more suscepti ble than broilers. 4. Use of the higher frequency waveforms (500 and 1500 Hz) was associated w ith a marked improvement in carcase quality, particularly with regard to br east muscle haemorrhaging and their use may result in considerable commerci al advantage.