A method for stunning animals and a respective stunning system is disclosed. Animals are lowered in a cradle into a pit filled with anoxic stunning gas. The cradle is provided with a heat sink, preferably comprising solid carbon dioxide, for cooling the stunning gas in the pit resulting in a density increase of the stunning gas in the pit. This reduces demixing of the stunning gas and rising of components such as nitrogen (N.sub.2) usually having a lower density than the air surrounding the stunning system.

A system for fish processing can include: a fish fixturing subsystem, a tooling subsystem, an analysis subsystem, and/or any other suitable components, which can optionally be part of a fish processing subsystem. Additionally or alternatively, the system can optionally include: an intake subsystem, an expulsion subsystem, and/or any other suitable components.

Methods and apparatus for inducing unconsciousness by warming of the brain of an animal by applying microwave radiation through an applicator are described. An electromagnetic flux concentrator comprises a tubular section of reducing internal cross-sectional area and at least one ridge internally thereof extending longitudinally. The applicator is pre-tuned by directing low-power microwave radiation therethrough to a load that approximates the properties of the animal's head, and adjusting the impedance of the applicator to optimize the impedance match. A compensator associated with the waveguide compensates for changes in detected reflected power.

Methods and apparatus for inducing unconsciousness by warming of the brain of an animal by applying microwave radiation through an applicator are described. An electromagnetic flux concentrator comprises a tubular section of reducing internal cross-sectional area and at least one ridge internally thereof extending longitudinally. The applicator is pre-tuned by directing low-power microwave radiation therethrough to a load that approximates the properties of the animal's head, and adjusting the impedance of the applicator to optimize the impedance match. A compensator associated with the waveguide compensates for changes in detected reflected power.

A method for processing a live fish can include: determining a set of fish attributes of a fish, optionally sorting the fish based on the set of fish attributes, euthanizing the fish, exsanguinating the fish, and/or any other suitable steps. In variants, the method can additionally or alternatively include: discarding the fish after sorting, further processing the fish, and/or tracking the fish. However, the method can additionally and/or alternatively include any other suitable elements.

An electric gaff hook device includes an elongated pole having at least one hook that is positioned along the distal end. Each of the hooks including a curved shape, a sharpened tip, and a plurality of electrodes. A controller, user interface, power source and power output unit are provided along the pole. The power output unit receives power from the power source and sends amplified power to the plurality of electrodes based on a command from the user interface. The power discharged by the electrodes functions to stun and immobilize a fish for between about 1 and 3 minutes. A spike is provided along the distal end of the pole and includes a plurality of apertures forming a channel for receiving an elongated wire to euthanize and perform ike jime on the stunned fish.

An apparatus for stunning an animal with an exhaust gas mixture includes a stunning chamber located at a processing site to contain therein as many an animal selected to be stunned; and a combustion chamber located at the processing site for combusting a mixture to provide therefrom an exhaust gas mixture which includes carbon dioxide for stunning the animal in the stunning chamber.

A pneumatic stunner for stunning an animal has a piston slideable within an inner chamber, and a stunning rod driven by the piston forward and rearward towards and away from the front end of the housing. A fire pressure chamber has an annular configuration disposed adjacent the rearward or central end of the inner chamber. A return pressure chamber has an annular configuration disposed adjacent the forward or central end of the inner chamber. A valve system alternately controls flow of the pressurized fluid from the fire pressure chamber to the rearward end of the inner chamber to move the piston and drive the stunning rod forward to stun an animal, and from the return pressure chamber to the forward end of the inner chamber to move the piston and drive the stunning rod rearward and retract the stunning rod. The handle includes a cushioned mount adjustable in direction.

An animal stunner for use in livestock/slaughterhouse operations has a piston slideable within an inner chamber, and a fire pressure chamber with an annular configuration disposed adjacent the rearward or central end of the inner chamber. A stunning rod is driven forward by the piston to stun the animal and rearward to retract the rod. A valve system alternately controls flow of the pressurized fluid from the fire pressure chamber to the rearward end of the inner chamber to move the piston and drive the stunning rod. A catch system holds and releases the stunning rod. A compressed fluid supply is used to retract the stunning rod between operation cycles. Handles employing triggers are used by the operator to hold the stunner and to activate the valve system, and cushion mount systems are attached between the handles and stunner housing to absorb shock while operating the stunner.

A device for controlling the anesthetization of an animal to be slaughtered. The device includes a stimulation unit via which a stimulation stimulus is given to the animal. The device includes an image capturing unit that has an image capturing range. The image capturing unit is constructed as a 3D-camera. One part of a surface of the animal is optically detected in the image capturing range and range pixels are collected in the area of the surface. The range pixels are provided and transmitted as pixel data. An evaluation unit is connected to the image capturing unit and collects the pixel data provided by the image capturing unit. The evaluation unit determines an active movement of the animal from the detected pixel data and provides and transmits the control result in the event of a determined movement of the animal.