Slaughter Rate Capacity of Captive Bolt Pistol

Captive bolt pistol is useful for slaughter rates up to:

Correct Answer: 250 cattle/hour

The Captive Bolt Pistol is effective for mechanical stunning and can handle slaughter rates of up to 250 cattle per hour.

Captive Bolt Pistol — Key Facts

• Type: Mechanical stunning instrument.
• Mechanism: A steel bolt is propelled into the skull by compressed air or a blank cartridge, causing concussion and loss of consciousness.
• Mainly used for: Cattle and buffaloes.
• The bolt retracts after penetration (captive = does not leave the gun).
• Capacity: up to 250 cattle/hour.

Other Mechanical Stunning Instruments

• Percussion stunner: Non-penetrating; delivers a sharp blow to the skull without penetrating it.
• Both captive bolt pistol and percussion stunner are used in mechanical stunning.

Most Widely Used Stunning Method

• For Cattle & Buffalo: Mechanical stunning (captive bolt pistol).
• For Sheep, Goat, Pig: Electrical stunning.
• For Pig (commercial): CO₂ gas stunning.
• For Poultry (commercial): Electric water bath.