Pithing is a secondary technique used to ensure kill and immobilisation of a stunned animal.
They ensure humane slaughter, provide good biosecurity protection, and eliminate the need to bleed out the animal.
A stainless steel pithing rod is inserted into the skull entry site created by the penetrating captive bolt, destroying brain tissue and the spinal cord.
It is initially inserted as if to pass down the spinal column of the neck. When it strikes bone at the bottom rear of the brain cavity withdraw it slightly and with a stirring action macerate the brain, especially the brainstem toward the bottom rear of the skull.
Such measures are required practice after use of a captive bolt device on a large animal (bull or horse). Discuss with your Veterinarian.
DairyNZ best practice recommendation: Any animal rendered insensible by a captive bolt or shot to the brain must receive a secondary procedure to ensure death occurs before recovery from stunning (e.g., pithing or bleeding out).
Overall length 46cm.
