Comparing two captive bolt devices on market age Pekin ducks

Abstract

Summary: The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of 2 captive bolt devices in the euthanasia of market age Pekin ducks. One hundred twenty ducks were euthanized using either a commercially available captive bolt device (Zephyr-EXL, n = 60) or an Experimental Crossbow captive bolt device (n = 60). Ducks were euthanized and observed for pupillary light reflex, nictitating membrane reflex, cessation of movement, and skin penetration. The minimum, maximum, average impact pressure (psi) and impact radius (cm) of each device was also determined. Both devices effectively euthanized all ducks in the study. No differences were observed between the 2 devices in pupillary light reflex, nictitating membrane reflex, or cessation of movement (P > 0.05). Differences were observed (P < 0.001) in the percentage of lacerations or punctures in the cutaneous layer on the skull, where the highest occurrence was found in the Zephyr-EXL. The Experimental Crossbow had lower minimum pressure, slower average bolt speed, and lowest average kinetic energy when compared with the Zephyr-EXL (P < 0.05). The Experimental Crossbow had a larger impact radius and higher maximum pressure and average pressure (P < 0.05). These results suggest either device can be used to effectively euthanize market age Pekin ducks; however, the Zephyr-EXL tended to break the skin more often making it less visually appealing to use.

Keywords

• duck
• euthanasia
• captive bolt