Effect of electrical stunning frequency and current waveform in poultry welfare and meat quality

• DOI: 10.3382/ps/pex046
• Publication Date: 2017-04-17T03:57:32Z
• Authors: T.S. Siqueira; T.D. Borges; R.M.M. Rocha; P.T. Figueira; F.B. Luciano; R.E.F. Macedo
• Keywords: Stunning; Creatine kinase

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different stunning frequencies and electrical current waveforms on chicken welfare meat quality. Two-hundred-thirty-two Cobb broilers, 48 d age 2.76 ± 0.47 live-weight, were randomly assigned into 4 treatments - 2 (300 Hz 650 Hz) (direct [DC] alternating [AC]). Broilers electrically stunned in a water bath commercial slaughterhouse (70 V, 100 mA). The electronarcosis efficiency confirmed by assessment visual parameters (absence rhythmic breathing, ocular reflex, coordinated wing flapping) blood (lactate, glucose, creatine kinase, sodium, potassium), which measured after bleeding. incidence traumas injuries was assessed plucking. Meat quality analysis performed Pectoralis major (PM), with determinations pH, breast yield (PMY), holding capacity (WHC), absorption (WAC), thawing loss (DL), cooking (CL), shear force (SF), instrumental color (a*, b*, L*, C*, h). interaction between waveform frequency significant (P < 0.05) only for lactate, lightness (L*). Lactate sodium levels decreased at 300 Hz-DC. increased individual effect potassium, WHC, PMY, h. Regarding waveform, AC plasma glucose DC kinase WAC. In general, exerts greater influence than broilers. use proved render animals efficiently unconscious promote