Full title: Assessment of a research project on the use of a cervical dislocation device in the poultry and rabbit industries
Requested by: French National Scientific Committee on Palmipeds for the Production of Foie Gras (CNSPFG)
Date of request: 11/01/2021
Delivery date: 29/01/2021
Deliverables: Advisory Note on the project - no online official documents available
Context
In the context of changes to the regulations concerning emergency on-farm slaughter, many studies have revealed the lack of a simple, rapid and economical method of dispatching poultry weighing over 5 kilogrammes, nor is there an effective and reliable method available for rabbits.
The project holder therefore wished to determine whether a cervical dislocation device could meet the industry’s needs, while ensuring the animal does not suffer. As dislocation devices have been standardised only for killing, and not for stunning, the intention was to conduct a preliminary test to establish a scientific evaluation of the effectiveness of the device in inducing loss of consciousness in chickens, turkeys, rabbits and ducks at the moment of application, along with the rapidity of their dispatch.
As the CNSPFG has been asked to help to fund this project, the committee sought the expertise of the FRCAW in assessing the protocol planned by the project holder, with regard in particular to its scientific relevance to animal welfare.
Main conclusions of the FRCAW
The FRCAW issued a negative opinion on the establishment of this project. The details of the contents of its evaluation remain confidential.
