Today, Eyes on Animals tested the H2H Euthanizer, developed by Top Equipment, for the emergency killing of sick and injured poultry.
The importance of more humane tools for killing birds that are suffering
Over the past year, Eyes on Animals has been encouraging the poultry industry to adopt alternatives to cervical dislocation for birds that are injured, sick or otherwise severely compromised. Contrary to what is often believed, cervical dislocation (stretching the neck) is not an instant or painless method. Depending on how it is performed, it can take several seconds, to sometimes even minutes, before a bird loses consciousness, during which time it is likely to experience pain and distress.
Every poultry farm has to deal with birds that need to be killed for welfare or production reasons. On a single farm, this may involve anywhere from a few birds to dozens of birds each week, depending on the type and size of the farm. These may include birds with severe pecking wounds, serious lameness and internal infections.
Eyes on Animals believes that birds that are clearly suffering should be humanely killed as quickly as possible. We also believe that more humane methods than cervical dislocation could become the standard. In our view, cervical dislocation is not an acceptable killing method because it causes pain and distress and is not always performed correctly, as it can sometimes be difficult to carry out. We therefore started looking for practical devices that provide immediate unconsciousness while being easy to implement on farms.
Besides reducing animal suffering, easy-to-use humane killing devices may also lower the emotional and physical barriers that some farmers and workers face when they have to kill birds. As a result, birds that are suffering may be killed sooner.
Testing the H2H device: our positive findings
Today, the H2H device, which is designed to stun and kill the bird simultaneously, was tested on four laying hens from a hospital pen on a commercial farm in the Netherlands. We greatly appreciated that this farm was willing to test the device and was actively looking for more humane ways to end the suffering of their compromised birds.
Based on what we observed today, we were very impressed by both the device and its ease of use.
Each bird was placed upside down in the support cradle, with the legs secured in adjustable holders. The birds remained calm during this process because their bodies were fully supported. An electrode was then placed on the cloaca, after which the handle was pulled to position the head electrodes while simultaneously activating the current. Once the current was activated, unconsciousness was immediate. The electrical current passes through the bird so rapidly that unconsciousness and death occur before the bird can perceive pain.
We checked for signs of possible consciousness, including rhythmic breathing, natural blinking, eye reflexes and neck muscle tone, and none were present. It was a relief to be able to end these birds’ suffering immediately using a method that was both quick and humane. The birds showed only a brief muscle contraction caused by the electrical current, after which they became completely limp. There was no blood loss or wing flapping.
Key factors for optimal results
The H2H representative explained several key factors for achieving optimal results:
- The cloacal electrode should remain in contact for at least three seconds as a safety margin.
- The electrode must make good contact with the moist tissue of the cloaca. Feathers may need to be moved aside to ensure proper placement and good electrical conductivity.
- The bird should be stunned immediately after being placed in the device. Although birds generally remain relatively calm while restrained upside down, they should not be left waiting, as this will cause stress.
- The leg holders are adjustable to accommodate different types of poultry. Laying hens, for example, require a different setting than broilers.
- The system is highly effective under normal circumstances. Only severely dehydrated birds may need to be lightly moistened (for example using a plant mister) to improve electrical conductivity.
- The electrodes should be cleaned regularly to prevent dirt build-up, which can reduce the effectiveness of the electrical current.
Farm purchases H2H device following successful trial
The manager, workers and veterinarian from the laying hen farm, who observed the demonstration were also impressed by how simple the device was to operate and how calm the entire procedure was for the birds. Following the demonstration, they immediately decided to purchase an H2H device for use on the farm.
Today was an important day, and we hope it marks the beginning of a wider shift towards more humane methods for killing compromised birds on farms.
The H2H device also appears to be a promising option for slaughterhouses, where a reliable and humane back-up killing method is essential. Back-up killing procedures in slaughterhouses are still in need of improvement, and we believe this device has the potential to offer both high welfare standards and practical ease of use.
Eyes on Animals considers the H2H Euthanizer a far better alternative to cervical dislocation, as it provides immediate unconsciousness and prevents a great deal of unnecessary suffering. We will actively recommend it to poultry farmers, catching crews, and slaughterhouses.
