The role of electrical stunning, bleeding and plucking efficiency on the downgrading of chicken carcases

Department of Meat, Animal Science, Bristol University Veterinary School, Langford.

This study examined the effects of inducing a cardiac arrest at electrical stunning, in combination with impaired bleeding and severe plucking, on the incidence of haemorrhages and broken bones in chicken carcases. It was concluded that with the possible exception of breast muscle haemorrhages none of the downgrading conditions were attributable solely to electrical stunning. Poor neck cutting, too severe plucking and flapping of the wings before death also played a part.