Harvesting of Livestock

Antemortem Slaughter

The process of preparing livestock before slaughter, which includes fasting for 12-24 hours to ease evisceration and minimize bacteria migration.

Four Ds

Categories for animal inspection: Dead, Dying, Diseased, Disabled.

Humane Methods of Slaughter Act of 1978

Legislation that establishes humane handling and slaughtering practices for livestock.

Evisceration

The removal of internal organs from the carcass during the slaughter process.

Stunning

Methods used to render an animal insensible before slaughter, which can be mechanical, chemical, or electrical.

Exsanguination

The process of draining blood from an animal after stunning and sticking, typically by severing carotid arteries and jugular veins.

Bunging

The process of tying off the anus or vulva before removal to prevent contamination.

Zero Tolerance

A policy ensuring that carcasses must meet strict cleanliness standards with no feces, milk, or ingesta present.

Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE)

A neurodegenerative disease in cattle, commonly known as mad cow disease, that poses risks for human health.

Kosher

Jewish dietary laws that dictate how food must be processed, particularly the slaughtering method and animal type.

Halal

Islamic dietary laws that specify permissible foods and slaughtering techniques according to Sharia law.

Scalding and Dehairing

Techniques used to remove hair from swine; involves immersing the animal in hot water.

Captive Bolt Stunner

A mechanical device used to render livestock unconscious prior to slaughter.

Porging

The removal of veins and arteries from the carcass, particularly to eliminate blood.

Fiery Fat

A condition in lambs resulting from overheating or rough handling during transport and slaughter.

Lactic Acid Treatment

A washing method using lactic acid spray applied to the carcass to reduce bacterial contamination.

Broken Joint vs. Spool Joint

Terms distinguishing between sheep leg joints based on age and growth conditions.

SRMs (Specified Risk Materials)

Tissues from cattle that must be removed to prevent the spread of BSE.

Dentition

The examination of teeth in cattle which helps to determine their age within the slaughter process.

Cleaning Procedure

Includes prewash with hot water and lactic acid spray to ensure carcass cleanliness.

Animal Transfer

The movement of animals between different holding areas, following specific regulations for feeding and watering.

Mechanical Stunning

A method of stunning using devices that do not penetrate the skull, such as a concussion stunner.

Electrical Stunning

A method of stunning using electrical currents applied to the head or body of the animal.