Three pig genetics lineages A, B and C marketed in Brazil, were stunning with the manual electric stunning (Karl Schermer 220-230/250 volts, 45-60 Hz and 1.4 - 1.5 A) and the collective gaseous system (COMBI-BUTINA 90% CO2). The electric stunning provided higher blood splashed levels in the areas of the inside round (0.477 and 0.26, p < 0.01), shoulder/cranial (0.154 and 0.039, p < 0.005), shoulder/central (0.261 e 0.052, p < 0.001), shoulder/caudal (0.180 and 0.030, p < 0.01), loin/central (0.185 and 0.065, p < 0.01), loin/caudal (0.06 and 0.207, p < 0.01) and loin/lateral external (0.061 and 0.013, p < 0.05), as well as more diffuse blood splashed in the areas of the inside round (0.461 and 0.279, p < 0.05), shoulder/cranial (0.154 and 0.039, p < 0.001), shoulder/central (0.231 and 0.039, p < 0.001) and shoulder/caudal (0.185 and 0.026, p < 0.001). The electric stunning also provided higher skin damage levels in the areas of the shoulder (1.098 and 0.795, p < 0.001), body (1.04 and 0.948, p < 0.05) and ham (0.84 and 0.68, p < 0.001), as well as higher eyelid reflex levels (11.57%) comparatively to the gaseous system (2.86%) of a total of 426 pigs. Small indexes of bone fractures and muscle bruises were found in both systems.
stunning system; animal welfare; meat quality
