Biomedical subjects

H J Wormuth

Publications and source records attributed to H J Wormuth.

14 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1992

[Observations during captive bolt stunning of rabbits].

78 rabbits of mixed breed and about 3 kg live weight were stunned before slaughter with a commercial spring operated captive bolt apparatus designed for rabbits and water fowl. The following reaction patterns were observed: 1.) Immediate onset of tonic spasm, followed by weak to heavy clonic spasms and/or subsequent relaxation; irreversible loss of corneal reflex and cessation of respiration: effective and irreversible stun tantamount to killing 2.) Same reaction as before except that respiration restarted after 1/2 to 2 min: effective but only temporary stun 3.) Similar reaction as before, but respiration maintained: insufficient stun 4.) Immediate onset of weak tonic spasm; respiration and corneal reflex maintained: insufficient stun. According to this classification 56 rabbits (72%) were killed outright and 18 (23%) temporarily stunned while in 4 (5%) the stun was ineffective. The captive bolt apparatus proved thus to be principally suited for the stunning resp. killing of slaughter rabbits. The best stunning results were obtained with shots into the parietal bone near the sagittal line but not hitting the bone sutures. To achieve this the apparatus has to be placed slightly paramedian on the front as close to the ears as possible. Insufficient stunning results could be blamed on deviating shooting positions. To avoid misses a good fixation of the animal including its head is necessary. Correct application provided the use of penetrating concussion stunners should be preferred to applying a blow to the neck for stunning rabbits.

Abattoirs↗

PubMed1992

[Treatment of vertebrates according to Section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act].

Relating to Section 4 of the Animal Protection Act "Operations on animals", general principles and arguments of the animal protection law are demonstrated; questions about painfulness and necessity of operations on vertebrates are discussed considering the recent states of knowledge and practice. Problems mainly relate to the sensation of pain in juvenile animals during operations without anaesthesia, and to castration and amputation (tails, horns, beaks, combs/wattles, teeth) as well as to destruction or removal of tissues (notching or perforation of ears) in various animal species. Finally, it is recommended to question the indispensability of operations both continuously and more frequently, and to anaesthetize young animals for specified operations despite the legal possibility to dispense from anaesthesia.

Anesthesia↗

PubMed1991

[Labeling, defects, possibilities--animal welfare in the identification of animals].

Marking is necessary not only for handling animals, but also because of animal welfare. The method itself, however, can sometimes reveal deficiencies concerning protection of animals. These deficiencies are presented and discussed. In this context, the new electronic identification system--based upon implantable microchips--is considered. It is judged upon as particularly positive compared to other methods. Ideas are presented regarding special fields of application.

Animal Identification Systems↗

PubMed1990

[Animal welfare aspects of the killing of fish].

According to the Animal Protection Law (1986) fish are to be killed by methods which do not cause pain. However, the regulations do not cover the killing of non-food fish. A questionnaire, conducted among 85 fish scientists, revealed that single fish should be killed by a blow on the head, and larger numbers by electrical methods or by use of chemicals. Decapitation was proposed for eels. A regulation from 1936 stipulates the methods for the slaughtering of food fish. Mechanical or electrical stunning is compulsory except for eel and flatfish. The questionnaire showed that in general the present legal regulations are sufficient for the slaughtering of fish with the exception of eels. The commercially available apparatus for stunning and killing do not always fulfill the requirements of animal protection, slaughtering technology and safety for the user. Official testing of these apparatus as well as the evaluation of new methods--like CO2-stunning--are necessary in order to prevent the use of methods which are feasible, but do not fulfill animal welfare, especially for eel.

Animal Welfare↗

PubMed1989

[Animal welfare and workers' protection during electric stunning of poultry for slaughter].

Every slaughter process involves problems as to animal welfare as well as safety aspects and the protection of workers. With poultry these are basically concentrated on electrical stunning. Electrical currents and voltages suitable for stunning slaughter animals are principally also hazardous for man in what respect body resistance is of crucial importance. Potential hazards have to be looked upon as present in spite of existing safety regulations. Comparatively high stunning voltages for poultry recently proposed because of animal welfare considerations have met objections not only from the viewpoint of meat hygienic but workers' safety regulations as well. While the former meanwhile could be overcome the latter still has to be investigated, especially as a regulation on the electrical stunning of poultry is currently being prepared. In this respect the question whether adequate stunning efficiency can be obtained by reducing the voltage and prolonging the time of exposure is of special interest. First preliminary results of such investigations are presented. To ensure workers' safety other related aspects should also be taken into account and examined for improvements.

Abattoirs↗

PubMed1987