University of Stirling Study (2026)
New research supports electrical stunning protocol for humane slaughter of whiteleg shrimp
Key Findings
In lab tests, neural insensibility was faster after electrical stunning than cold shock.
Shrimp who were electrically stunned had one tail flip upon first contact, followed by immobility; whereas shrimp in the cold shock group displayed a series of tail flips and muscle twitching after ice slurry immersion.
“Our results show that the absence of tail flipping after cold exposure is aligned with neurological insensibility in P. vannamei after in-water electrical stunning and highlights the importance of cold shock after electrical stunning.”
This procedure (electrical stunning + ice slurry) is consistent with the protocol of Shrimp Welfare Project’s Humane Slaughter Initiative, and mirrors the behavioural changes we’ve seen in the field.
Study Overview
Researchers: University of Stirling’s Institute of Aquaculture
Species: whiteleg shrimp (P. vannamei, also known as L. vannamei)
Practices compared: cold shock vs. electrical stunning vs. electrical + cold shock
What was measured: behavioural activity (such as tail flips and coordinated leg movements) and neural activity (EEG recordings)
Researchers also assessed the responses to variations in the electrical stunning voltage and duration, and the cold shock temperature and duration.
Status: preprint submitted to journal; pending peer review
As retailers and buyers move towards humane slaughter, this research supports the shrimp farming industry’s adoption of electrical stunning followed by chill kill.
Last Updated: 9 March 2026
When the peer-reviewed version is available, we’ll update this page with the new information.