Effectiveness of Different Caliber of Firearms on Penetration of the Frontal Bone and Amount of Brain Matter Destruction of Feedlot Cattle Using Computed Tomography

Abstract

Euthanasia of an animal by gunshot or captive bolt is not aesthetically pleasing, but neither is prolonged animal suffering. Therefore, establishing protocols and guidelines for use of firearms in the depopulation of cattle is essential, because unsuccessful attempts at euthanasia are inhumane, demoralizing, and can lead to operator reticence. Usage of firearms for the depopulation of cattle is approved by both the American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Association of Bovine Practitioners as a means of euthanasia. However, there has been very little research performed to establish recommendations on what calibers of firearms and suitable munitions to employ to accomplish the objective while avoiding excessive firepower which could result in the projectile exiting the target. The objective of this study was to examine the effects different caliber of firearms have on the penetration of the projectile(s) fired into the cranium, and the amount of brain matter destruction incurred in the disembodied heads of feedlot cattle as evidenced by computed tomography (CT).