The captive bolt device has been used for stunning cattle at abattoirs for more than 100 years and is now one of the stunning devices used most widely. The aim of this review article was to assess the effects that are decisive during cattle slaughter on the quality of stunning with the use of a captive bolt stunning device. The basis of effective stunning is the use of a suitable type of device, with the speed of the bolt and the kinetic energy corresponding to the anatomical parameters of the slaughtered animal. The importance of the regular cleaning and maintenance of stunning devices and monitoring of the effectiveness of stunning goes without saying. The immediate loss of sensibility in the animal must occur after the first shot. The effectiveness of the stunning process can be quantified by regular monitoring of the behavior of animals after stunning with an emphasis on the loss of reflexes (corneal reflex, regular breathing, attempts to regain physiological posture) and checks on the shot location on the skulls of slaughtered animals.

Department of Anatomy Histology and Embryology Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno Brno Czech Republic

Department of Animal Protection Welfare and Behaviour Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno Brno Czech Republic

Department of Gastronomy Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno Brno Czech Republic

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The Impact of Deviation of the Stun Shot from the Ideal Point on Motor Paralysis in Cattle