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Australian first stunning trial begins

25 July 2022
Australian first stunning trial begins

AMPC is funding a study on the improvements in animal welfare outcomes associated with the implementation of advanced stunning box units following a preliminary trial at a New South Wales processing plant earlier this year. 

Developed by Jarvis Products Corporation in conjunction with fabricators MPF Engineering, the new dual-purpose stunning box units were built following the preliminary trial of the box that explored speed, durability, and electrical and pneumatic capability in line with animal welfare and safety requirements. 

AMPC is now working with CSIRO to validate the animal welfare benefits of using the new stunning box units, looking at animal behaviour, vocalisation, and meat quality.  

AMPC Co-Innovation Manager David Dwyer said two advanced stunning box units have been installed at red meat processing plants around Australia with a further eight scheduled for installation.  

“Initial assessments of the new stunning boxes at the two processing plants are proving to be successful.

“A processing plant in Queensland that is trialling the new unit recently received 100 per cent on an animal welfare standards audit addressing noise and vocalisation levels.

“Testing will continue across all categories, and with positive outcomes and wider industry adoption it will provide Australian processors with the opportunity to explore other options to access global markets."

CSIRO Researcher Dr Alison Small said we are pleased to be a collaborator in any initiative that aims to deliver improvements in animal welfare. 

“This project provides the opportunity to achieve improvements in animal welfare outcomes and is therefore important for the industry, its stakeholders and CSIRO."                                                                                                          

 Jarvis National Operations Manager Robert Haworth said the Australian-designed stunning box units will help to reduce vocalisation. 

“The stunning box units were designed using stainless steel and are powered by pneumatic cylinders. The units are lined with nylon insulation to prevent the animal earthing out against the side of the box as it does with traditional designs, whilst the floor and entrance of the unit are coated with anti-slip, anti-conductive rubber to further reduce noise and slippage.” 

For more information about the trial, contact AMPC Co-Innovation Manager David Dwyer at d.dwyer@ampc.com.au