Stunning and slaughter of ostriches

A study of the commercial stunning and slaughter of 783 ostriches in a Republic of South African abattoir revealed that a simple ostrich handling system, combined with a leg clamp applied during stunning current flow and operated by experienced ostrich slaughtermen, resulted in a humane, efficient slaughter process. It was estimated that an electrical stunning current in excess of 400 milliamps at 50 Hz AC, applied to the head only, would prevent recovery in more than 90% of the ostriches, when bled within 60 s from the start of stunning. The identification of rhythmic breathing movements indicate the first stages of recovery and is therefore an essential diagnostic ‘tool’ in recognising the effectiveness of the stunning treatment. The identification of rhythmic breathing movements in the ostrich after stunning is difficult because spinal reflexes, which produce contraction of limb muscles and result in almost rhythmic body movements could easily be confused with breathing movements.