Phase 1: University Laboratory Trials
Determination of Zephyr-EXL Reliability and Robustness
(Bristol University - November 2014)
Research carried out by Bristol University entitled “The Adaptation of Zephyr Technology to the Single Stage Euthanasia of Compromised Piglets” for Bock Industries. The trial examined the effectiveness of the Zephyr-EXL percussive gun operated at 120 psi, to stun/kill using visual evoked potentials (VEPs a test of residual consciousness) in 60 anesthetized piglets ranging in live weight from <3 – 11 kg.
Evoked Potentials in the Brain (a reproducible pattern of brain activity to a repeating stimulus) are distinct from spontaneous potentials as detected by electroencephalography (EEG), electromyography (EMG), or other electrophysiological recording method. A light flash will produce a response in the brain (Visual Evoked Potential), which was recorded and analyzed. When the cortex in the brain dies or is no longer functional, the response will disappear therefore, it is a test of residual consciousness.
The application of the Zephyr-EXL was successful in abolishing VEPs in all but one piglet, which weighed 10.9 kg, the VEP returned 27.5 s after the shot, however, this piglet was larger by 1kg compared to the study target maximum of 9kg (20lb).
This neurophysiological assessment has demonstrated that the Zephyr-EXL Percussive gun operated at 120 psi produces immediate loss of consciousness and death in piglets from birth to ≤10 kg.
Evoked Potentials in the Brain (a reproducible pattern of brain activity to a repeating stimulus) are distinct from spontaneous potentials as detected by electroencephalography (EEG), electromyography (EMG), or other electrophysiological recording method. A light flash will produce a response in the brain (Visual Evoked Potential), which was recorded and analyzed. When the cortex in the brain dies or is no longer functional, the response will disappear therefore, it is a test of residual consciousness.
The application of the Zephyr-EXL was successful in abolishing VEPs in all but one piglet, which weighed 10.9 kg, the VEP returned 27.5 s after the shot, however, this piglet was larger by 1kg compared to the study target maximum of 9kg (20lb).
This neurophysiological assessment has demonstrated that the Zephyr-EXL Percussive gun operated at 120 psi produces immediate loss of consciousness and death in piglets from birth to ≤10 kg.
Veterinary Medical Laboratory, University of Bristol, UK
