Evaluation of intravenous T-61 as a euthanasia method for birds |
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| Authors: | Bethany I. Baker-Cook Antonietta L. Moritz Danielle Zwueste Karen Schwean-Lardner Karen L. Machin |
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| Affiliation: | Department of Animal and Poultry Science, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon S7N 5A8 (Baker-Cook, Schwean-Lardner); Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences (Moritz, Zwueste), Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences (Machin), Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon S7N 5B4 |
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| Abstract: | The use of T-61 as a sole euthanasia agent for birds was investigated. Nine broiler chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) were euthanized by intravenous T-61 and assessed for insensibility [brainstem reflexes: nictitating membrane reflex (NIC), palpebral blink reflex (PAL)], brain death [isoelectric electroencephalogram activity (EEG)], cessation of audible heartbeat, and abnormal electrocardiogram. Birds were considered dead when the heart rate was less than 180 beats/minute with an isoelectric EEG. No vocalization or wing flapping occurred. Both NIC and PAL were lost 10.5 s from start of injection and audible heartbeat ceased at 24.5 s. Latency to isoelectric activity was 16.6 s. All but 1 bird died within 60 s. Rapid induction of insensibility meant birds did not experience pain and distress within 10.5 s from start of injection and birds were not conscious during cardiac and circulatory arrest. Intravenous injection of T-61 is an effective and efficient euthanasia method for birds. |
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