Efficiency of electrical stunning by electronarcosis: Current situation and perspective of improvement in a medium-size processing plant

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of electrical stunning by electronarcosis in a medium-size poultry processing plant located in southern Brazil. The current measurement of this type of stunning is presented, and then improvements to this method are proposed. Data were collected for 90 days. A quality indicator was proposed: the Stunning Severity Index (SSI), which includes elements of Statistical Process Control (SPC) using a p-chart (proportion chart) and measures. This index comprises the variables “wing-flapping,” “arched head,” and “rhythmic breathing.” Using the proposed index, 5% of the birds, on average, presented inefficient stunning symptoms.