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glottis could cause upper respiratory tract irritation, which under normal circumstances activates the cranial (superior) laryngeal nerve which would not be severed by the cut (Gregory et al., 2009). Restraining of cattle in lateral recumbency is another practice used to restrain animals during slaughter without stunning. Petty et al. (1994) investigated Shechita under commercial conditions and conventional slaughter after captive bolt stunning in cattle restrained either in an upright position or turned to 90 degrees. They concluded that in lateral recumbency cattle were less stressed compared with lying on their backs, as the rumen did not press the diaphragm and therefore did not cause breathing difficulties. Nevertheless some pressure on the internal organs would still be present even in lateral restraint (Tagawa et al., 1994; Petty et al., 1991). Labooij and Kijlstra (2008) analysed the current knowledge for rotating restraint, especially with regard to the situation in the Netherlands, and recommended that the current equipment for turning should be devised and developed to improve restraint while allowing partial sideways rotation for easier performance of the neck cut. Experiences during the Dialrel project revealed, that lateral recumbency can help to avoid some problems like pressure on the aorta, major veins and diaphragm. Turning in lateral recumbency systems is usually shorter and the animals can be supported during and after breakdown with less pressure being applied. However other difficulties may arise as the performance of the cut has to be adapted to this position. Construction and operator deficiencies can also lead to problems e.g. with the post cut wound management similar to the inverted position. According to experience in the plants which were assessed during WP2 by the Dialrel veterinarians, the time between start of head restraint and cut varied from between one minute to more than 6 minutes. Turning to 90 degree took between 8 and 13 seconds. The number of cuts performed ranged from 4 to 13. Retraction movements could be noticed in response to the cut. Cattle were released between 112 and 193 seconds after the cut. In systems which turned the animals to 45 degrees, turning times were shorter. Both, turning and cutting were performed usually within 10 seconds after entrance into the pen. From the literature and experiences within the project it was not clear whether turning over on the right or the left side was preferable. This might have an influence on pressure applied to the rumen, the forces pulling on the trachea and pressure on the vessels leading into the wound thus influencing blood flow. In Turkey it was found during WP2 spot visits that some abattoirs employ methods that shackle the free standing cattle by one leg. The animals were hoisted until only one shoulder and the head supported the weight of the animals. Sometimes the animal was fully hoisted up first and then lowered onto its head and shoulder. Afterwards the neck cut was performed, before hoisting was completed. Upright pens were also used to hold the animal, and then one of the hindlegs was shackled through the gap underneath before opening the gate. Afterwards, the animal was dragged out and half hoisted for neck cutting. This method was used for both Halal and Shechita. The average period from exit to exsanguination was 67 seconds in that case. During hoisting cattle often vocalized, struggled and attempted to regain posture. With all types of restraint in cattle it is possible, that stress before the cut and the position of the animal during and after the cut can have a marked impact on bleeding and bleed-out (see 2.8.3). 3.1.2
Restraining of sheep and goats for slaughter without stunning
Sheep and goats can be restrained either in an upright position, lying on their side or lying on their back (Levinger, 1995). Rotating is also used at angles other than 90 or 180 degrees. Restraining animals, even small animals like lambs or kids, by suspending their hindlegs is