Alternative Options to Power Captive Bolts Devices for Cattle

⁠⁠⁠Under the Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System (ESCAS), exporters must ensure that Australian livestock exported for lot feeding or processing are treated in accordance with international animal welfare guidelines (as stipulated by OIE) in the overseas supply chain.

Compliance with best practice slaughter methods as recommended by the OIE is imperative if animal welfare is to be assured in abattoirs. An important tool to increase the probability of a positive welfare outcome is the use of stunning before slaughter, where cattle can be reliably rendered unconscious.

Stun reliability depends upon certain factors including the type of propellant used, the maintenance or calibration of the device, training on appropriate use and appropriate supporting infrastructure (including restraint boxes, head restraint etc).

The device that has the greatest application in international markets is the hand-held captive bolt that uses black-powder in a cartridge, as the propulsive agent (often .22 blank charges). These stunning devices are relatively cheap to purchase and can be used in many applications due to their portability. However the legality of the import and possession of the charges is currently being disputed in at least one of our large international markets and there is a need to constantly supply the charges to process Australian cattle. Failure to deliver or distribute charges within a market, has the potential to compromise animal welfare.

The livestock export industry is therefore keen to explore the potential options for alternative technologies to power captive bolt stun devices that can cost effectively replace the current stunners used throughout ESCAS supply chains.

Terms of reference: Alternative Options to Power Captive Bolts Devices for Cattle.

Application: Preliminary Application Form.

Applications Close 15 August 2016.

More information:
Sharon Dundon
Manager - Livestock Export Research and Development
Ph: +61 (427) 255 335 Mobile
Ph: +61 (2) 8055 1822
E-mail: sdundon@mla.com.au.