Research Progression

Over two decades, DTS research evolved from early concept studies to successful proof-of-concept trials demonstrating that unconsciousness could be reliably induced with minimal meat quality compromise. Subsequent refinements improved energy delivery for consistent and rapid induction. Notably, animals were shown to fully recover post-insensibility, with minimal brain tissue impact—critical for religious slaughter acceptability.

Foundational Studies

Key studies from the prior 12-year period include:

• Small et al. (2013) - Preliminary investigations into the use of microwave energy for reversible stunning of sheep. Paper

• McLean et al (2017) – Development of a microwave energy delivery system for reversible stunning of cattle. Paper

• Rault et al. (2014) – Early EEG evaluation of electromagnetic stunning efficacy. Report.

• Small et al. (2019) – Behavioral and EEG outcomes using electromagnetic stunning systems. Report. .

• Additional technical details and comparisons with captive bolt methods are explored in MLA’s proof-of-concept and prototype reports. 2015 Report, 2021 Report.

Regulatory Dossiers & Approvals

• V.SRP.0002 (2022) – A regulatory dossier compiled for multiple authorities confirming 100% insensibility with DTS and its acceptability for Halal and Kosher markets. Approved for use in the Australian meat industry and suitable for EU submission. Report

• Revised dossier for EFSA (2024) – A comprehensive public-facing technical dossier was prepared in response to the EFSA AHAW panel’s queries, increasing the likelihood of European approval. Report

Recent Peer-Reviewed Publications

1. Tissue integrity & reversible insensibility (2025)
Demonstrates that 160–200 kJ of 915 MHz electromagnetic energy, applied to the forehead, induces unconsciousness within 0–5 seconds while preserving tissue integrity. ScienceDirect

2. Recovery study (2025)
Seven cattle recovered completely from unconsciousness induced by 150–180 kJ of electromagnetic application—reinforcing DTS's reversible nature. ScienceDirect

Independent Scientific Review

An independent review of livestock processing practices, co-authored by Dr Alison Small, evaluated welfare implications across processing establishments and included analysis of novel methods like DTS. Agriculture and Fisheries Dept

Comparative Commentary

A 2024 commentary in Animals (Basel), authored by Musk and Johnson, contrasts mechanical, electrical, and DTS stunning. It concludes that DTS is reliable, reversible, non-concussive, non-penetrating, and carcass-safe, with strong alignment with Australian welfare standards and potential suitability for religious authorities. Paper

Summary of the Research Team

The research and development of DTS: Diathermic Syncope has been a collaborative effort bringing together a broad range of skillsets. They include:

Advanced Microwave Technologies (Website) Bring high-powered microwave engineering and software development, led by David McLean, a microwave engineer with over 30 years’ experience in process development.

CSIRO’s Dr Alison (Ali) Small, Principal research scientist and veterinarian, led the animal science research team.

Other collaborators have included Professor Craig Johnson, from Massey University, NZ and Dr Jean-Loup Rault from the University of Melbourne (now the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria).

Inclusion in AVMA Guidelines – 2024 Edition

The AVMA’s Guidelines for the Humane Slaughter of Animals – 2024 Edition, released September 2024, updates species-specific chapters and expand on religious slaughter considerations. Guidelines