However, the use of a captive bolt does not always succesfully stun the animal. The most common failure in stunning is due to improper positioning of the bolt. This is a particular problem where cattle are agitated and struggling. Other problems may be due to inadequate maintenance of the pistol. Mis-stunning causes considerable distress and can mean the animal is still conscious during throat cutting.
Calves are likely to be stunned electrically.
Calves also take longer to lose brain function after throat cutting. Because of this many calves show clear signs of recovery during bleeding out. Over 3.38 million cattle were slaughtered in the UK in 1992. The Leisure and Lifestyle Directory - for all commercial products and services related to vegetarianism.