Selection of publications

Holleben, K.v.; Luecking, A.; Wenzlawowicz, M.v. (2023): How to evaluate stunning effectiveness in cattle stunned by captive bolt - Part 1: Righting reflex, eye reflexes and breathing
Presentation with embedded animations
293 MB!  [view];
Presentation without embedded animations [view];
Youtube playlist with all 15 animations

Holleben, K.v.; Luecking, A.; Wenzlawowicz, M.v. (2023): How to evaluate stunning effectiveness in cattle stunned by captive bolt - Part 2: Movements after captive bolt stunning Presentation with embedded video clips
461 MB! [view];
Presentation without embedded video clips [view];
Youtube playlist with all 15 video clips

Holleben, K.v.; Lücking, A.; Wenzlawowicz, M.v. (2022): Signs of Reduced Stunning Effectiveness in Cattle and Presentation of Open Access Animations. European Veterinary Congress of Behavioural Medicine and Animal Welfare, September 28th – October 1st, Palma [Mallorca], Spain; Book of abstracts, 96 [download].

Lücking, A.; Wenzlawowicz, M.v.; Holleben, K.v. (2022): Movements after Captive-Bolt Stunning in Cattle in Relation to Possible Animal and Process Related Impact Factors. HSA International Conference: Livestock Welfare during Transport, Marketing & Slaughter. 30 June & 1 July 2022, Edinburgh, UK, abstract [download]; https://www.hsa.org.uk/news-events/hsa-conference-2022; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IoW3VcupqR4 (min 42).

May, K.; Hartmann, L.; Wenzlawowicz, M.v.; Bühler, C.; König, S. (2022): Key parameters of head-heart electrical stunning need to be adapted to improve stunning effectiveness and meat quality in pigs of different genetic lines. Meat Science 190, 108829, doi:10.1016/j.meatsci.2022.108829

Zumbrink, L.; Brenig, B.; Foerster, A.; Hurlin, J.; Wenzlawowicz, M.v. (2020): Electrical anaesthesia of male chicken embryos in the second third of the incubation period in compliance with animal welfare. Europ.Poult.Sci. 84, ISSN 1612-9199, © Verlag Eugen Ulmer, Stuttgart, DOI: 10.1399/eps.2020.315.

Holleben, K.v.; Wenzlawowicz, M.v. (2020): CO2-stunning of pigs. An example of behaviour during induction and overview of gas concentration and other key parameters during routine slaughter of pigs in modern low stress group stunning devices. FSVO/UFAW/HSA Online Symposium: Humanely Ending the Life of Animals. Nov 3rd-4th 2020; https://www.ufaw.org.uk/ufaw-events/fsvo-ufaw-hsa-online-symposium-a-humanely-ending-the-life-of-animals; Abstract; [download].

Holleben, K.v.; Wenzlawowicz, M.v. (2020 & 2021 addendum): “There has been a twitch!”-
Evaluation of stunning effectiveness after captive bolt stunning of cattle and possible reasons for stun failures [„Es hat gezuckt !“ – Bewertung der Effektivität der Bolzenschussbetäubung beim Rind und mögliche Ursachen ungenügender Betäubungseffektivität]. Proceedings of the 26th International Symposium of the German Veterinary Medical Society e.V. (DVG) ‘Schwerpunktthema: 24/7 - Zur Verantwortung im Umgang mit Tieren’, Munich, march 26 to 28 2020 & march 18 to 20 2021, ISBN 978-3-86345-525-5, 173-191 / 165-183 [download]

Meier, C.; Lücker, E.; Wenzlawowicz, M.v.; Holleben, K.v. (2020): Investigation of the effectiveness of the penetrating captive bolt as a combined stunning and killing method for suckling piglets and piglets up to 30 kg of body weight and development of a suitable fixation [Untersuchung der Wirksamkeit des penetrierenden Bolzenschusses als kombinierte Betäubungs- und Tötungsmethode bei Saugferkeln und Ferkeln bis 30 kg Körpergewicht und Entwicklung einer geeigneten Fixierung]. Proceedings of the 26th International Symposium of the German Veterinary Medical Society e.V. (DVG) ‘Schwerpunktthema: 24/7 - Zur Verantwortung im Umgang mit Tieren’, Munich, march 26 to 28 2020, ISBN 978-3-86345-525-5, 311-321

Meier, C. (2020): Investigation of the effectiveness of the penetrating captive bolt as a combined stunning and killing method for suckling piglets and piglets up to 30 kg of body weight and development of a suitable fixation [Untersuchung der Wirksamkeit des penetrierenden Bolzenschusses als kombinierte Betäubungs- und Tötungsmethode bei Saugferkeln und Ferkeln bis 30 kg Körpergewicht und Entwicklung einer geeigneten Fixierung].
Leipzig, University, vet. med. thesis
https://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bsz:15-qucosa2-708603/

Schreiber, S. (2019): Preventing further processing of live pigs in abattoirs with carbon-dioxide stunning by automatic image-analysis which detects movements during hot-water spraying [Verhinderung der Weiterverarbeitung lebender Schweine an Schlachthöfen mit Kohlenstoffdioxidbetäubung mittels automatischer Bildanalyse auf Eigenbewegung während einer Heißwasserbesprühung].
Leipzig, University, vet. med. thesis; https://ul.qucosa.de/api/qucosa%3A35984/attachment/ATT-0/

Holleben, K.v.; Wenzlawowicz, M.v. (2019): Are movements after captive bolt stunning of cattle a sign of regaining consciousnesss ? 65th ICOMST, Postdam, Germany, Poster P-01-36, book of abstracts, 105
;
http://icomst-proceedings.helsinki.fi/papers/2019_08_36.pdf

Holleben, K.v.; Briese, A.; Dyrba, W.; Wenzlawowicz, M.v. (2019): How to prevent the worst case: scalding of sensible pigs; Automated procedure for detection of onset of death of slaughter pigs in industrial plants (Check Signs of Life). 65th ICOMST, Postdam, Germany, Poster P-01-32, book of abstracts, 96;
http://icomst-proceedings.helsinki.fi/papers/2019_08_32.pdf

Holleben, K.v.; Schneider Y.; Wenzlawowicz, M.v. (2018): Study on the eligibility of a pneumatic captive bolt stunner for cattle stunning under routine conditions (80/h) [Bolzenschussbetäubung von Rindern  - Untersuchung zur Eignung eines pneumatischen Bolzenschussapparates für die Betäubung während der Routineschlachtung (80/h)].
Fleischwirtschaft 98 5/2018, 94-98

Holleben, K.v.; Meier, C.; Wenzlawowicz, M.v. (2017): The Gap between Science and Practice - Discrepancies between Lab and Field based Welfare Findings for CAS.br /> UFAW HSA International Symposium: Welfare Impacts of Controlled Atmosphere Methods for Stunning or Killing Animals. June 29-30 2017, Weybridge, Great Britain, abstract;
https://www.hsa.org.uk/news-events/welfare-impacts-of-controlled-atmosphere-methods-for-stunning-or-killing-animals

Meier, C.; Wenzlawowicz, M.v. (2017): Emergency killing of pigs. Der Praktische Tierarzt 98 (5), 474-479, DOI 10.2376/0032-681X-17-23, https://vetline.de/download/storage/282/9113

Meier, C.; Lücker, E.; Wenzlawowicz, M.v.; Holleben, K.v. (2017): Study on emergency killing of piglets on farm by captive bolt as a single- stage killing method [Untersuchungen zur Nottötung von Ferkeln im landwirtschaftlichen Betrieb mittels Bolzenschuss als kombinierte Betäubungs- und Tötungsmethode]. Proceedings of a symposium of the German Veterinary Medical Society e.V. (DVG) ‘Top-Thema: Tierschutz am Ende? – Zum Töten von Tieren’, Munich, march 30 to april 1 2017, ISBN 978-3-86345-363-3, 110-119

Wenzlawowicz, M.v.; Holleben, K.v. (2017): Investigation of CO2-stunning in order to get an exemption for prolongation of stun-to-stick interval according to §13(2) TierSchlV – standard for investigation [Überprüfung der CO2-Betäubung von Schlachtschweinen im Hinblick auf eine Ausnahmegenehmigung nach §13(2) TierSchlV (Verlängerung der Höchstzeit zwischen Betäuben und Entbluteschnitt) – Untersuchungsstandard]. Proceedings of a symposium of the German Veterinary Medical Society e.V. (DVG) ‘Top-Thema: Tierschutz am Ende? – Zum Töten von Tieren’, Munich, march 30 to april 1 2017, ISBN 978-3-86345-363-3, 79-87

Dyrba, W.; Briese A.; Wenzlawowicz, M.v.; Holleben, K.v. (2017): Automatic Detection of signs of life prior to scalding in slaughter pigs [Automatische Erkennung von Lebenszeichen vor weiteren Schlachtarbeiten bei Schweinen].
Proceedings of a symposium of the German Veterinary Medical Society e.V. (DVG) ‘Top-Thema: Tierschutz am Ende? – Zum Töten von Tieren’, Munich, march 30 to april 1 2017, ISBN 978-3-86345-363-3, 69-78

Holleben, K.v.; Wenzlawowicz, M.v. (2017): Where is the limit for slaughter speed with regard to animal welfare?
[[Wie schnell darf man schlachten? – Hinweise zur Bestimmung der Grenzen]. Proceedings of a symposium of the German Veterinary Medical Society e.V. (DVG) ‘Top-Thema: Tierschutz am Ende? – Zum Töten von Tieren’, Munich, march 30 to april 1 2017, ISBN 978-3-86345-363-3, 37-48

Meier, C.; Lücker, E.; Holleben, K.v. (2016): Killing of ‘surplus’ piglets – ethical questions, possible methods. Paper presented at the European Congress of Animal Welfare and Behavioural Medicine, 20-22 October 2016, Cascais, Portugal; Book of abstracts edited by Heath, S.; McCulloch, S.; Jacinto, D. & da Graca Pereira, G., ISBN 978-989-99711-0-3, 96
;
[download1];[download2]


Parotat, S.; Holleben, K.v.; Arnold, S.; Troeger, K.; Luecker, E. (2016): Hot-water spraying is a sensitive test for signs of life before dressing and scalding in pig abattoirs with carbon dioxide (CO2) stunning. Animal 10, 326-332, 
http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S1751731115001573/span>

Holleben, K.v.; Parotat, S.; Hiller, A.; Moje, M. (2015): Evaluation of cattle head fixation for captive bolt stunning under practical conditions – how tight and how fast? HSA International Symposium: Recent Advances II. Jul 16-17 2015, Zagreb, Kroatien, Book of abstracts, p. 14, 
https://www.hsa.org.uk/downloads/hsa-symposium-abstract-book.pdf

Meier, C.; Veerkamp, W.; Holleben, K.v. (2015): Evaluation of the Meyn® multistage CO2 stunning system for chicken with regard to animal welfare under practical conditions. HSA International Symposium: Recent Advances II. Jul 16-17 2015, Zagreb, Kroatien, Book of abstracts, p. 29, 
https://www.hsa.org.uk/downloads/hsa-symposium-abstract-book.pdf

Parotat; S.; Arnold, S.; Wenzlawowicz, M.v.; Luecker, E. (2015): Pig slaughter: Detecting signs of life prior to scalding by means of optical flow. HSA International Symposium: Recent Advances II. Jul 16-17 2015, Zagreb, Kroatien, Book of abstracts, p. 23, 
https://www.hsa.org.uk/downloads/hsa-symposium-abstract-book.pdf

Wenzlawowicz, M.v.; Retz, S.; Hensel, O. (2015): Risk factors for the use of a rifle for stunning/killing of cattle: HSA International Symposium: Recent Advances II. Jul 16-17, 2015, Zagreb, Kroatien, Book of abstracts, p. 41, 
https://www.hsa.org.uk/downloads/hsa-symposium-abstract-book.pdf

Gerritzen, M.; Lourens, S.; Reimert, H.; Wenzlawowicz, M.v.; Holleben, K.v. (2015): Emergency killing of pigs in a Carbon dioxide - Nitrogen mixture. Research report, DOI 10.13140/RG.2.1.1643.7925. Wageningen UR Livestock Research, 21 p.  

Arnold. S.; Parotat, S.; Moje, M.; Machtolf, M.; Wenzlawowicz M.v.; Troeger, K.; Luecker, E. (2014): Ascertaining death in pig slaughter using hot water. Paper presented at the 60th International Congress of Meat Science and Technology, 376 17-22 August 2014, Punta del Este, Uruguay.

Wenzlawowicz, M.v.; Retz, S.; Hensel O. (2014): Welfare Criteria for on-farm slaughter of cattle when using a rifle as a stunning/killin method. In: Luc Mounier and Isabelle Veissier [Hrsg.] Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on the Assessment of Animal Welfare at Farm and Group Level, Clermont-Ferrand, Frankreich, September 3-5, Wageningen Academic Publishers, ISBN: 98-90-8686-247-4, 111

Parotat, S.; Arnold, S.; Holleben, K.v.; Luecker, E. (2014): Pig slaughter: no signs of life before dressing and scalding. In: Luc Mounier and Isabelle Veissier [Hrsg.] Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on the Assessment of Animal Welfare at Farm and Group Level, Clermont-Ferrand, Frankreich, September 3-5, Wageningen Academic Publishers, ISBN: 98-90-8686-247-4, 57

Retz, S.K.; Schiffer K.J.; Wenzlawowicz, M.v.; Hensel, O. (2014): Stunning effect of different rifle-bullets for slaughter of outdoor cattle.
LLandtechnik 69 (6), 296-299 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/283136168_Stunning_effect_of_different_rifle-bullets_for_slaughter_of_outdoor_cattle

Anil, M.H.; Holleben, K.v (2014): Exsanguination.
In: Carrick Devine & Michael Dikeman [Hrsg.] Encyclopedia of Meat Sciences 2e, Vol. 1, Oxford: Elsevier; S. 561-563

Velarde, A.; Rodriguez, P.; Dalmau, A.; Fuentes, C.; Llonch, P.; Holleben, K.v.; Anil, M.H.; Lambooij, J.B.; Pleiter, H.; Yesildere, T.; Conci-Goga, B.T. (2014): Religious slaughter: Evaluation of current practices in selected countries. Meat Science 96, 278-287,
doi: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2013.07.013

Wenzlawowicz, M.v.; Holleben, K.v.; Eser, E. (2012): Identifying reasons for stun failures. Animal Welfare 21 (S2), 51-60, doi: 10.7120/096272812X13353700593527, ISSN 0962-7286

Holleben, K.v.; Wenzlawowicz, M.v.; Eser, E. (2012): Licensing poultry gas stunning systems with regard to animal welfare: investigations under practical conditions. Animal welfare 21 (S2),103-111, doi:10.7120/096272812X13353700593842, ISSN 0962-7286

Gregory, N.G.; Wenzlawowicz, M.v.; Holleben, K.v.; Fielding, H.R.; Gibson, T.J.; Mirabito, L.; Kolesar, R. (2012): Complications during shechita and halal slaughter without stunning in cattle. Meat Science 85, 66-69, doi: 10.7120/096272812X13353700593680, ISSN 0962-7286

Velarde, A.; Rodriguez, P; Fuentes, C.; Llonch, P.; Holleben, K.v.; Wenzlawowicz, M.v.; Anil, H.; Miele, M.; Cenci Goga, B; Lambooij, B.; Zivotofsky, A.; Gregory, N.; Bergeaud-Blackler, F.; Dalmau; A. (2010): Improving Animal Welfare during Religious Slaughter Recommendations for Good Practice
  https://www.dialrel.net/dialrel/images/recom-light.pdf 

Holleben, K.v.; Wenzlawowicz, M.v.; Gregory, N.; Anil, H.; Velarde, A.; Rodriguez, P.; Cenci Goga, B.; Catanese B.; Lambooij, B. (2010): Animal welfare concerns in relation to slaughter practices from the viewpoint of veterinary sciences. Dialrel-deliverable 1.3  https://www.dialrel.net/dialrel/images/veterinary-concerns.pdf

Wenzlawowicz, M.v. (2010): "Reversible (head-only) electrical stunning" - Method and experience. in: Caspar J. et Luy J. [ed.] Animal Welfare at Religious Slaughter - The Ethics Workshops of the DIALREL Project.
Bd. 6 der Reihe >Das Recht der Tiere und der Landwirtschaft<. NOMOS Baden-Baden, ISBN 978-3-8329-4898-6; https://refubium.fu-berlin.de/bitstream/handle/fub188/19305/2010_DIALREL_Caspar_Luy.pdf?sequence=7&isAllowed=y , 243- 245

Holleben, K.v. (2010): Obligatory stunning prior to cut with exemption for particular "methods" of slaughter required by certain religious rites - Unwanted effects of an exemption without quantitative limitation to the market demand: example Belgium and France.
in:
Caspar J. et Luy J. [ed.] Animal Welfare at Religious Slaughter - The Ethics Workshops of the DIALREL Project. Bd. 6 der Reihe >Das Recht der Tiere und der Landwirtschaft<. NOMOS Baden-Baden, ISBN 978-3-8329-4898-6; 
https://refubium.fu-berlin.de/bitstream/handle/fub188/19305/2010_DIALREL_Caspar_Luy.pdf?sequence=7&isAllowed=y , 227- 231

Gregory, N.G.; Fielding, H.R.; Wenzlawowicz, M.v.; Holleben, K.v. (2010): Time to collapse following slaughter without stunning in cattle. Meat Science 85, 66-69

Holleben, K.v.; Henke, S.; Schmidt, T. (2009): Effect of transport time up to 8 hours on physiological and biochemical stress indicators and resulting carcass and meat quality in cattle – an integrated approach. Book of Abstracts No. 15 (2009) of the 60th Annual Meeting of the European Association for Animal Production, Barcelona, Spain, 24-27 August 2009, page 249, ISBN 978-90-8686-121-7, ISSN 1382-6077. Wageningen Academic Publishers;
https://www.wageningenacademic.com/pb-assets/wagen/files/e-books/open_access/9789086866700eaap2009-e.pdf#page=306, 249

Wenzlawowicz, M.v. (2009): Stun quality and its assessment – quality control measures. In Algers, B. Blokhuis, H. and Keeling, L. [ed.] Animal welfare at slaughter and killing for disease control purposes – emerging issues and good examples. Swedish university of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Animal Environment and Health, Section of Animal Hygiene, Report 22. ISSN 1652-2885, 42-47

Gregory, N.G.; Wenzlawowicz, M.v.; Holleben, K.v. (2009): Blood in the respiratory tract during slaughter with and without stunning in cattle. Meat Science 82, 13-16

Holleben, K.v. (2009): Intelligent prevention of fail stunning – Interpreting clinical symptoms correctly during stunning and bleeding out. Fleischwirtschaft Int. 2/2009, 26-30

Gregory, N.G., Wenzlawowicz, M.v.; Alam, R.M.; Anil, H.M.; Yesildere, T.; Silva-Fletcher, A. (2008): False aneurysms in carotid arteries of cattle and water buffalo during shechita and halal slaughter. Meat Science 79, 285-288

Holleben, K.v. (2007): Handling and restraining issues for the most important species. EU-Commission DG Sanco: Training workshop on animal welfare concerning the stunning and killing of animals at slaughterhouses and in disease control situation Croatia, Zagreb 15.-19. october 2007

Holleben, K.v.; Calkara, Y. (2007) , Halal ist nicht gleich betäubungslos geschlachtet [“Halal” is not necessarily “slaughter without stunning”]. Fleischwirtschaft 87, 11/2007, 8-10

Wenzlawowicz, M.v. (2006): Practical tools for animal welfare assessment in the slaughterhouse. In: European Commission: Animal Welfare in Chile and the EU: Shared Experiences and Future Objectives, Luxembourg: Office for Official Publications of the European Communities 2006 — 165 pp. — 21 x 29.7 cm, ISBN 92-79-00890-0; https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/673f70ee-429a-4662-a82d-5adafc96a79b, 117-122

International Symposium “Animal Welfare at ritual slaughter” held in Berlin in April 2005, which gave an overview of the restraint and stunning methods used for ritual slaughter around the world (scientific concept by bsi), reader in german and English; [download].

Wenzlawowicz, M.v.; Holleben, K.v. (2005): Evaluation of animal welfare during Controlled Atmosphere Stunning (CAS) of broilers under practical conditions. Proceedings of the 77th European Symposium on Poultry welfare (WPSA Working group Poultry Welfare) 15.-19. June 2005, Lubmin Agricultural University, Poland

Holleben, K.v.; Henke, S.; Hohmann, M.; Schmidt, T.; Hartung, J (2004): Improvements for cattle transport - responsibilities of the farmer: Effects of pre-transport and loading conditions on behaviour at loading, biochemical stress indicators and carcass/ meat quality. AgEng 2004 Conference Engineering the Future, September 12 – 16, 2004 Leuven, Belgium, Book of Abstracts Part 1, ISBN 90-76019-258, 506-507 (full paper on CD: Session15\082-Holleben.pdf)

Holleben, K.v.; Schütte, A.; Wenzlawowicz, M.v.; Bostelmann, N. (2002): Call for veterinary action in slaughterhouses, Deficient welfare at CO2-stunning of pigs and captive bolt stunning of cattle. Fleischwirtsch. Int. 3/02 8-10

Wenzlawowicz, M.v.; Holleben, K.v. (2001): Assessment of stunning effectiveness according to the present scientific knowledge on electrical stunning of poultry in a waterbath. Arch. Geflügelk. 65 (6), 193-198, ISSN 0003-9098. Verlag Eugen Ulmer GmbH & Co., Stuttgart

Barton Gade, P.; Holleben, K.v.; Wenzlawowicz, M.v. (2001): Animal welfare and Controlled Atmosphere Stunning (CAS) of poultry using mixtures of carbon dioxide and oxygen, Report of a Symposium held in Oldenburg,, Germany on 4 December 2000. World’s Poultry Science Journal, Vol. 57, June 2001, 189-200

Bostelmann, N. (2000): An examination of the influence of marketing organisations on animal health and meat quality of fattening pigs on the basis of collected slaughter check results, pH-values and meat temperature of the ham. Berlin, Free University, vet. med. thesis; https://refubium.fu-berlin.de/handle/fub188/10318?show=full ; http://webdoc.sub.gwdg.de/ebook/diss/2003/fu-berlin/2000/135/indexe.html

Wenzlawowicz, M.v; Schütte, A.; Holleben, K.v.; Altrock, A.v. Bostelmann, N.; Roeb, S. (1999): Field-study on welfare and meat quality aspects of the Midas-pig-stunning device with Inarco System, Part I: Current characteristics and stunning effectiveness. Fleischwirtsch. Int. 2/99, 8-13 Part II: Preliminary factors of strain and meat quality. Fleischwirtsch. Int. 3/99, 22-25

Holleben, K. v.; Wenzlawowicz, M.v. (1999): Humane killing of animals on the farm. [Tierschutzgerechtes Toten von Tieren in landwirtschaftlichen Betrieben.] DTW: Dtsch. tierarztl. Wschr 106, 163-165, ISSN: 0341-6593

Holleben, K.v. (1996): Fixation of cattle and pigs for stunning - practical and welfare relevant issues [Praktische und tierschutzrelevante Aspekte der Fixierung von Rindern und Schweinen zur Betäubung]. Proceedings of a symposium of the German Veterinary Medical Society e.V. (DVG) ‘Töten von Tieren und Kennzeichnung von Tieren’, 14.-15. März 1996 in Nürtingen, ISBN 3-930511-27-4, 44-52

Holleben, K.v. (1996): Applied Animal Welfare at slaughter houses. DTW: Dtsch. tierärztl. Wschr. 103, 55-58

Wenzlawowicz, M.v.; Holleben, K.v.; Mickwitz, G.v. (1996): Comparative investigation of meat quality in pigs by measuring pH, conductivity and meat colour 42 - 45 minutes post mortem in consideration of preliminary factors of strain, carcass weight and lean meat percentage. Fleischwirtsch. 76 (3), 301-307

Wenzlawowicz, M.v.; Holleben, K.v.; Briese, A.; Heuking, G.L. (1994): Animal welfare at slaughterhouses. Berl. Munch. Tierarztl. Wschr. 107, 237-244

Dr. Karen von Holleben
Dr. Martin von Wenzlawowicz
Claudia Meier
bsi Schwarzenbek, Training and consultancy institute for animal welfare at transport and slaughter, PO-box 1469, 21487 Schwarzenbek, Germany
Tel.: 49 - (0)4151-7017 / Fax: 49 (0)4151-894046

www.bsi-schwarzenbek.de (under construction)