Electrical stunning is used to capture crocodiles to perform routine management procedures. It is essential from a welfare point that electrical stunning must cause unconsciousness in animals. However, there is no information of whether or not electrical stunning causes unconsciousness in the Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus). The purpose of the study was to assess brain activity before and after electrical stunning in crocodiles using a 5-channel referential electroencephalogram analysis to determine consciousness. Behavioural indicators and electroencephalogram recordings of 15 captive-bred crocodiles were captured and analysed using power spectral density analysis immediately before and after stunning and then at 60 s intervals until 5 min post-stunning. A standardised stun of 170 Volts was applied for 5–7 s on the wetted neck. Unconsciousness was defined as a decrease in alpha wave power and increase in delta wave power. Three of the electroencephalograms could not be assessed. Unconsciousness was identified in 6 out of 12 crocodiles and lasted for an average for 120 s. An increase in electroencephalogram waveform amplitude and tonic–clonic seizure-like waveform activity and behaviour indicators were not reliable indicators of unconsciousness. Further research should be focused on improving the efficiency and reliability of electrical stunning.

电击致昏用于捕获鳄鱼以执行日常管理程序。从福利角度来看，电击致昏必须导致动物失去知觉，这一点至关重要。然而，目前还没有关于电击致昏是否会导致尼罗鳄（ Crocodylus niloticus ）失去知觉的信息。该研究的目的是使用 5 通道参考脑电图分析来评估鳄鱼电击致昏前后的大脑活动，以确定意识。在击晕前后立即使用功率谱密度分析捕获并分析 15 条圈养鳄鱼的行为指标和脑电图记录，然后以 60 秒的间隔进行分析，直至击晕后 5 分钟。对湿润的颈部施加 170 伏标准电晕 5-7 秒。失去知觉被定义为α波功率的减少和δ波功率的增加。其中三张脑电图无法评估。 12 只鳄鱼中有 6 只失去知觉，平均持续时间为 120 秒。脑电图波形幅度的增加和强直阵挛性癫痫样波形活动和行为指标的增加并不是无意识的可靠指标。进一步的研究应集中于提高电击昏的效率和可靠性。