How to Choose the Perfect Jarvis Stunner for Your Meat Processing Needs
Ryan Seaborn- May 5
- 13 min read
Why Choosing the Right Stunner Matters
Choosing a stunner isn’t just a box to tick on your equipment list—it’s the heartbeat of humane handling, premium meat quality, and iron‑clad CFIA compliance all in one swoop. Under Canadian law, the CFIA insists every food animal be rendered instantly unconscious before slaughter, and slipping below that bar isn’t merely unethical—it can shut down your line with fines and delays. At Jarvis, we know animal welfare drives operational wins: the right stunner trims your cycle times, keeps crews safer, and delivers cleaner, defect‑free carcasses that customers notice. Whether you’re processing a handful of lambs or thousands of fed cattle a day, choosing the ideal Jarvis stunner sets you up for smooth audits, happy inspectors, and a healthier bottom line—let’s dive in and find your perfect match!
Table of Contents
Key Factors to Consider
Operational Scale: Consider your plant size and volume. Higher line speeds favor pneumatic stunners for their quick recycle time and no need to reload. Lower volumes can be well-served by cartridge stunners, which are a bit slower but more economical for intermittent use.
Animal Type & Size: Match the stunner to the largest species you will handle. Use high-caliber or pneumatic models for big cattle and rugged boars/bulls. Lighter-duty models suffice for smaller stock. If you process multiple species, pick a versatile option (e.g., a .25 caliber cartridge stunner with variable loads) that can humanely stun everything from sheep to cows.
Operation Infrastructure: Compressed air supply available? If yes, a pneumatic stunner is feasible; if not, stick to cartridge. Portability needed? Cartridge stunners win – you can take them onto a truck for mobile slaughter or around the yard for on-farm euthanasia.
Maintenance Requirements: Are you prepared to maintain the stunner daily? Cartridge stunners require cleaning every day of use (and even during the day if doing many shots) to prevent. Pneumatic stunners need air filter changes, lubrication, and periodic seal replacements. If your team is small and not mechanically inclined, a cartridge stunner might be simpler to upkeep.
Budget: Balance cost with throughput. PAS cartridge stunners have the lowest upfront price (and no air system to install), making them the economical choice for low‑to‑medium volumes. Pneumatic units require a larger initial investment—including compressed‑air infrastructure—but their rapid, no‑reload cycle only pays for itself in high‑volume, high‑speed operations.
Which Jarvis Stunner Fits Your Needs? A Look at Pneumatic, Cartridge & Electric Options
Cartridge-Powered Captive Bolt Stunners (PAS Stunners)
Cartridge-powered captive bolt stunners are versatile, reliable, and easy to operate. Think of these as specialized firearms—they use blank cartridges to propel a bolt into the animal’s skull, instantly causing unconsciousness through a powerful concussion. They're ideal for smaller or medium-sized operations, or places where portability and flexibility are important.
Popular models include:
PAS Type P (Pistol): With its user-friendly pistol grip, this stunner works great for operations handling a range of livestock sizes. Operators appreciate its ergonomic design, allowing for comfortable and accurate stunning, even after repeated use.
PAS Type C (Cylindrical): Featuring an inline control-handle design, the PAS Type C offers sturdy two-handed support, making it ideal for larger livestock or operators who prefer extra stability during stunning.
If you’re running a versatile or smaller-scale operation, these cartridge-powered stunners offer portability, easy maintenance, and affordability.
Pneumatic Captive Bolt Stunners
When high-volume, consistent stunning is a priority, pneumatic stunners are your best choice. Instead of cartridges, these stunners rely on compressed air to fire the bolt rapidly and reliably, making them ideal for large-scale beef processing facilities or high-throughput slaughterhouses. Although pneumatic stunners typically have a higher upfront cost than cartridge-powered (PAS) stunners, their investment pays off significantly in operations with high daily throughput.
Electrical Stunners
Electrical stunning works by passing a controlled current through an animal’s brain (or brain and heart) to knock it out instantly. Jarvis Canada doesn’t manufacture its own electric stunners, but we proudly distribute Hubert HAAS equipment—including the TBG 100 Electric Stunner—so you can source everything you need from one trusted partner.
The TBG 100 is a constant‑amperage, professional‑grade unit built for pigs, sheep, emus, and even ostriches. Three preset programs (1.3 A for sheep/goats, 1.6 A for lightweight pigs, 2.0 A for market hogs) let you dial in the perfect settings for each size class, while built‑in alarms warn you if current or stunning time ever drop below welfare standards. With a rugged IP65 housing, stainless‑steel tongs, and capacity for about 120 pigs per hour, it’s a solid pick for small‑ to mid‑sized plants that want fast, reliable, low‑damage stunning.
Choosing a Jarvis Stunner Based on Animal Type
Cattle (Beef and Dairy)
For cattle, especially large bulls and cows, you'll need a powerful and dependable stunner. Pneumatic captive bolt stunners like the Jarvis USSS-21 are popular in large-scale beef operations because they offer rapid, consistent stunning suitable for high-throughput facilities. These pneumatic devices rely on compressed air to deliver a precise, powerful stun every single time.
If your plant is smaller or you need portability, consider cartridge-powered captive bolt stunners like the Jarvis PAS Type P or C models, especially those using higher caliber cartridges (.25 caliber magnum) with stronger grain charges. These models are highly versatile and ideal for facilities that process cattle in lower volumes or varying sizes.
Pigs and Swine
Pigs, being smaller than cattle, typically require less powerful stunners. Cartridge-powered captive bolt stunners, particularly those using .22 caliber cartridges, are ideal for most pigs. The Jarvis PAS Type P (pistol-grip design) is often preferred because it's easy to handle, quick to use, and effective across various pig sizes.
For large-scale pork production, electrical stunning is highly effective. Jarvis equipment integrates seamlessly with third-party electrical stunners. Electrical stunning offers the advantage of quick, reliable stunning with minimal carcass damage—a significant benefit in high-speed pork processing lines.
Sheep and Goats
Sheep and goats have thinner skulls, which means a gentler but effective approach is necessary. Cartridge-powered stunners with lighter cartridges (around 1.5–2.5 grain) like the Jarvis PAS Type C (with shorter bolt penetration) are usually sufficient. Electrical stunning is also commonly used with sheep and goats, particularly in operations aiming to maintain carcass integrity or reduce skull damage.
Poultry and Rabbits
For smaller animals like poultry and rabbits—where precision and minimal carcass damage are paramount—Jarvis offers two humane, non‑penetrating options: the pneumatic HPS‑1, a handheld stunner that delivers a concussive blow without penetrating the skull, and the cartridge‑powered PAS Type C .22R (5.6 mm) Poultry Stunner, which delivers the same welfare‑focused performance without the need for compressed air. Both tools maximize animal welfare and product quality, giving processors efficient, reliable solutions tailored to small‑stock stunning.
Horses, Bison, and Large Exotics
When you’re handling horses, bison, or other large exotics with exceptionally thick skulls, only the most powerful tools will do. Alongside Jarvis’s high‑powered pneumatic stunner USSS‑21 and heavy‑duty cartridge stunners loaded with .25‑cal magnum blanks, consider the BA‑BOOM .25R Euthanasia Tool. This precision‑engineered device accepts cartridges up to 6‑grain, giving you the punch needed to achieve an instant, humane stun on the toughest heads in the barn.
Matching Your Stunner to Your Operation Size
Choosing a Jarvis stunner isn’t just about matching the device to your livestock—it’s also about picking the right equipment for your operation’s size and throughput. From small, local processors to large-scale industrial plants, selecting the right stunner can greatly impact your operational efficiency, safety, and overall performance.
Small to Medium-Sized Operations
If you're running a smaller or medium-sized facility, portability, ease of use, and flexibility are probably your top priorities. In these cases, cartridge-powered captive bolt stunners, such as the Jarvis PAS Type P or Type C, are ideal solutions. These stunners are easy to handle, require minimal setup, and can adapt quickly to different animal sizes by simply changing cartridges. Plus, they're straightforward to clean and maintain—perfect if your staff performs multiple roles.
With these cartridge stunners, you won’t need to invest in compressed air systems or extensive infrastructure. They offer reliable stunning capability, portability around your facility, and lower upfront costs—a winning combination for smaller-scale processors or on-farm slaughter.
Large-Scale, High-Volume Facilities
For high-volume operations, speed, consistency, and minimal downtime are crucial. Pneumatic captive bolt stunners like the Jarvis USSS-21 or the non-penetrating USSS-22A are ideal because they can handle large numbers of livestock rapidly without compromising stunning quality. Their pneumatic design ensures consistent stunning power, reduced operator fatigue, and improved workplace safety, all critical for fast-paced, high-volume environments.
Of course, pneumatic stunners require an established compressed air infrastructure, but this investment pays off through increased productivity, reduced stunning errors, and minimal maintenance downtime. For large cattle operations, pneumatic stunners are often the standard choice, ensuring smooth workflow and regulatory compliance, especially at rapid production speeds.
Operations with Special Requirements (Halal)
If your plant has specific operational or religious requirements, the size and throughput become secondary to compliance. For example, plants performing Halal slaughter may prefer a non-penetrating pneumatic stunner, like the USSS-22A, because it ensures the stun is reversible—meeting Halal certification while still prioritizing animal welfare.
Smaller operations with specialty products or niche markets, such as artisan processors or organic farms, might prioritize equipment flexibility and carcass integrity. In such cases, a versatile cartridge stunner or a non-penetrating option might be preferable, aligning perfectly with the specific needs of their customers.
Pneumatic Captive Bolt Stunners (Jarvis USSS Series)
USSS-1 Pneumatic Captive Bolt Stunner
A penetrating bolt stunner designed for efficient one-shot stunning of cattle in high-production environments. Weighing approximately 32.4 lbs, it is relatively lightweight for a pneumatic model and operates at pressures up to ~190 psi. The bolt diameter (~16 mm) is optimized for cattle skulls. This stunner features a single-shot firing mechanism to avoid multiple discharges, and a low-recoil design paired with a two-hand trigger to enhance operator safety.
Use case: Ideal for mid-size beef plants or as a cost-effective pneumatic option for those seeking pneumatic efficiency without advanced features.
USSS-21 Pneumatic Captive Bolt Stunner
Jarvis’s newest generation penetrating stunner for cattle, the USSS-21, is a high-speed model offering a bolt velocity of 130 ft/s and improved air efficiency. It delivers 15–20% faster bolt speed while using 25% less air per shot compared to older models. Normal operating pressure ranges from 175–240 psi. Its oblong-shaped bolt enhances penetration, while the ergonomic handle and rotating auxiliary grip improve comfort. It includes two configurable firing modes to minimize accidental discharges. Weighing approximately 36–38 lbs with handles, this tool is heavier due to its heavy-duty build.
Use case: Suited for large commercial beef plants with high throughput. Its reliability and speed help improve both animal welfare and meat quality.
USSS-2 Pneumatic Stunner
This non-penetrating (concussion) stunner is designed for cattle and veal. It delivers a powerful blow to the head without a penetrating rod, making it suitable for operations that require intact skulls—such as some Halal slaughter or cases where brain contamination must be avoided. It features dual handles and a single-shot cycle to avoid repeat discharges. Weighing ~35.8 lbs, it operates at pressures up to 245 psi. The stunning rod diameter is ~34.9 mm, providing broad concussion force.
Use case: Best for mid-size plants performing Halal stunning or for any processor seeking reversible stunning—where the animal is rendered unconscious but not killed until bled. It meets strict welfare standards for humane slaughter without skull penetration, provided bleeding occurs promptly.
USSS-22A Pneumatic Stunner
Jarvis’s most powerful non-penetrating pneumatic stunner, developed as an upgrade to the USSS-2. It includes two interchangeable striking ends (54 mm and 60 mm) to accommodate various animal sizes or impact preferences. The model offers 5–10% faster bolt speed over earlier non-penetrating versions, with velocities around 95 ft/s (54 mm head) and 90 ft/s (60 mm head). It uses significantly less air (17.8–23.5 L per cycle) compared to the older USSS-2 (which used ~41 L).Heavier than the USSS-2 at ~37–39 lbs, the USSS-22A is built for high-throughput environments and features robust dual handles to manage recoil.
Use case: Designed for large beef or veal plants needing non-penetrating stunning for religious or quality control reasons. It is Halal-compliant and capable of delivering a strong, single-shot concussion to render cattle unconscious effectively.
Jarvis Cartridge-Fired Stunners (PAS Series)
PAS Type P .22R Penetrating Stunner
A .22 caliber pistol-style captive bolt gun. It has an ergonomic handgun grip and is designed for humane stunning of heifers/steers, hogs, and sheep. With a standard bolt length and a maximum 3.0 grain cartridge, it’s powerful enough for mid-sized livestock. The Type P .22 is built with a heavy-duty release pin and a secure breech that locks the cartridge in place. Operators benefit from its lighter weight and ease of pointing at the target area.
Use case: Small abattoirs and farms processing a mix of animals – for example, a provincial plant doing beef one day and pigs the next. By selecting different .22 blank strengths, they can stun smaller stock without excessive force and still handle adult cattle with a high-grain cartridge. The pistol design makes it intuitive and quick to aim.
PAS Type P .25R Penetrating Stunner
A .25 caliber pistol-grip stunner with a more powerful bolt for larger livestock. It features an extended-length bolt for deeper penetration, making it suitable for heavy mature cattle and bulls. It can use cartridges up to 4.5 grain for maximum impact. Like the .22 version, it has robust safety features: the hammer must be cocked in a safe position when not firing, and it has a secure breech lock to prevent accidents.
Use case: Large animals and bulls – if you occasionally process bulls or very large boars, the .25 Type P provides the needed power. It’s also useful if you prefer a pistol format but want an extra margin of stunning force. For example, a mid-size cattle plant that doesn’t want to invest in pneumatic might choose this .25 pistol; it can humanely stun even heavy cattle with the proper cartridge.
PAS Type C .25R Clamp-Retained Penetrating Stunner
This is a heavy-duty .25 caliber stunner with a different form factor than the “Type P” pistols. The “Type C” clamp-retained model is engineered for high-impact stunning of larger livestock (cattle, sows, etc.) with one-handed operation. It’s called “clamp retained” because of its breech design – the cartridge is held securely by a clamp mechanism. The device has a straight configuration (it resembles a short cylinder with a handle) and is very durable. It supports a wide range of cartridge loads from 1.25 up to 4.5 grains, so operators can tailor the power to each species.
Use case: Versatile for cattle, hogs, and sheep in moderate to high volumes. Because it’s tougher and possibly heavier than the Type P, it’s suited for continuous use in a plant environment. For example, a hog plant that stuns pigs with a captive bolt (instead of electric) could use this model, choosing lighter loads for market pigs and higher loads for sows. The one-hand operation and lack of heavy recoil also make it efficient for an operator to stun many animals in succession.
PAS Type C .25R Heavy-Duty Penetrating Stunner (Cow/Bull), with or without handle
Jarvis offers an impact-fired version of the Type C for the largest animals. One variant comes with an extended handle, allowing the operator to stun from a safer distance (for instance, reaching over a pen or restrainer). The other variant is the same mechanism without the long handle (more compact, for use in a killing box or restraint device). These stunners have an impact-triggered firing mechanism – meaning they fire upon being pressed firmly against the animal’s head, rather than via a trigger pull. This ensures the bolt is in full contact and correctly positioned on the skull before discharging, which improves effectiveness on thick-skulled animals. Both versions are designed specifically for adult cattle and bulls, delivering maximum penetrating power with minimal effort by the operator. Safety features include a locking safety cap that must be rotated to “safe” when not in use, preventing accidental firing.
Use case: These are ideal for bulls or unpredictable cattle. The long-handle version is especially useful if you need to stun an animal in a pen or chute (keeping some distance for operator safety). For instance, slaughter facilities that handle range bulls or buffalo often choose such extended-handle stunners. They are also common as emergency or backup stunners in feedlots or lairage, where an aggressive or injured animal might need to be put down from outside a pen.
PAS Type C .25R Non-Penetrating Concussion Stunner
A heavy-duty captive bolt that does not penetrate, used with .25 blank cartridges. This model produces a severe concussive blow to render the animal unconscious while keeping the skull intact. It’s built to the same high standards as the penetrating Type C, with multiple safety locks and a robust breech. The operator can select different cartridge strengths to adjust the force for various livestock sizes.
Use case: Halal slaughter or specific quality requirements in mid-to-large plants. For example, some processors of older cattle might choose a non-penetrating stun to avoid injecting brain material into the bloodstream (which was a concern for BSE prevention). It’s also used when the brain must be kept intact for inspection or other reasons. Keep in mind that non-penetrating stuns are typically reversible – the animal may revive if not bled out quickly. The PAS non-penetrating stunner is effective for a one-shot stun, but operations must have swift sticking/bleeding immediately after. Canadian guidelines would require the same – the animal must remain insensible through bleeding.
PAS Type C .22R Poultry Stunner
A specialized .22 caliber non-penetrating stunner for poultry (and other small animals). It delivers a swift concussion to birds (chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese) without breaking the skull. This tool is much smaller and lighter, intended for easy, one-hand use on a kill line or on-farm. It’s touted as low-cost and simple to operate, with minimal training needed.
Use case: Small poultry processing operations or on-farm slaughter of poultry. Large-scale poultry plants typically use electric water-bath or gas stunning, but for a small abattoir processing a hundred birds a day, a cartridge-fired poultry stunner is a practical option. It ensures birds are unconscious before bleeding, improving welfare and meat quality (no wing flapping injuries, etc.). It’s also useful for on-farm euthanasia (e.g., culling larger birds or in disease control scenarios) because it’s portable.
Pick the Perfect Powerload — Your Quick‑Glance Charts for .22 & .25 Cartridges
Not all blanks are built the same! Matching cartridge strength to species and size is just as important as choosing the right stunner. Too light, and you risk a mis‑stun; too heavy, and you stress the equipment and the carcass. That’s why we’ve laid out two easy reference charts—one for .22‑calibre loads and one for .25‑calibre loads—showing exactly which grain weight and colour code Jarvis recommends for everything from rabbits and piglets to mature bulls and bison.
Use these guides to double‑check your daily setup, train new staff, or troubleshoot a tricky stun. And remember the golden rule plastered across every Jarvis manual: never exceed the load prescribed for your stunner model. Always follow your operator’s guide, keep spare colours on hand, and you’ll hit that one‑shot, humane stun every time.
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Jarvis Canada Ltd
4650 112th Ave. S.E.
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