Evaluation of the Occurrence of False Aneurysms During Halal Slaughtering and Consequences on the Animal’s State of Consciousness

SIMPLE SUMMARY: False aneurysm of the severed arteries is a potential concern in animals as it could extend the duration of brain function before they die. Indeed, false aneurysm formation in the carotids and a slow rate of blood loss may extend the period of consciousness during slaughter without stunning. The aim of this study was to monitor the development of false aneurysms in animals slaughtered using Halal procedures and to evaluate the possible link between the onset of false aneurysm, the extension of the bleeding phase, and the persistence of signs of consciousness in the animal. We analysed, also using a histological test, the correlation between false aneurysms and the location of the cut made by the operator at the neck, which varied between the first and the fourth cervical vertebrae. Performing the cut at the first cervical vertebra reduced false-aneurysm formation and decreased the period of consciousness of Halal-slaughtered animals without pre-stunning. This could prevent unnecessary suffering, welfare abuse, and the failure of properly bleeding. ABSTRACT: This study evaluated the occurrence of false aneurysms and reflexes in bovines, associated with the point along the neck where the cut was performed. The survey was carried out on a total of 1200 male beef cattle, belonging mainly to the Charolais and Limousin breeds, aged between twelve and twenty-four months. In the slaughterhouse, three operators, identified by convention as Operator C4, Operator C2, and Operator C1, performed the Halal slaughtering. Each operator carried out the slaughter of 400 animals and, on the basis of his own professional training, performed the cutting of the vessels at different points along the neck: Operator C4 between the third and fourth cervical vertebrae; Operator C2 at the level of the second cervical vertebra; and Operator C1 at the first cervical vertebra. The occurrence of false aneurysms was assessed on the basis of the different cutting site used by the three operators. Then, the evaluation of consciousness indicators, that is, rhythmic breathing and eye response, closely related to a slow bleeding process and to a delayed loss of brain function, was carried out 90 s post-bleeding. The group of cattle slaughtered by Operator C4 had a prevalence of false aneurysms of 10.25%. Conversely, the other two groups of cattle slaughtered by Operators C2 and C1 showed false aneurysm formation in 7.25% of each case. Further, 37.5% of the animals (18 for Operator C4, 17 for Operator C2, and 16 for Operator C1) with signs of consciousness 90 s after sticking were consequent to the onset of false aneurysms and, more precisely, they were owing to a late second cut of the vessel carried out by the operator, when false aneurysms occurred. The results of the research showed that the cutting point chosen by the operator is a key element in determining the onset of false aneurysms.