1. The paper explains the use and method of operation of electrical water bath stunners, and explains the possible current pathways through a single bird and through a number of birds.

2. A mathematical model has been formulated to demonstrate the effects of bird resistance and physical attitude of the bird on the current received by individual birds in a water bath stunner.

3. The model shows that readings from ammeters installed in series with commercial stunners, or the values shown on voltmeters, are not an accurate indicator or a guarantee that individual birds are effectively stunned.

4. The model demonstrates the need for a stunner to supply a constant current to each bird, rather than operate at a constant voltage where the current which the bird receives is dependant upon its own resistance.