Oral Slaughter

Because animals can develop new signs of disease or stress during the delay. Re-inspection ensures that no sick or unfit animals enter the slaughter line.

Why is it necessary to repeat ante-mortem inspection if slaughter is delayed for more than 24 hours?

 Sight (visual) – check color, lesions, or abnormalities.

 Touch (palpation) – feel for swelling, firmness, or nodules.

 Smell (olfactory) – detect off-odors or putrefaction.

 Taste – rarely used, usually only in controlled labs for confirmation.

 

Name the four sensory techniques used in post-mortem inspection.

SRMs are tissues most likely to carry Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (mad cow disease) prions, like brain, spinal cord, eyes, tonsils, and parts of the intestine.

What are "Specified Risk Materials" (SRM) in the context of BSE?

 Acute: enlarged, soft, red or inflamed.

 Chronic: firm, fibrous, may have abscesses or calcifications.

How does an "acute" lymph node differ in appearance from a "chronic" lesion?

Small pinpoint bleeding usually indicates septicemia, viral infections, or trauma.

What does the presence of "petechial hemorrhages" on internal organs signify?

 Localized: affects one part or organ (e.g., abscess in a liver lobe).

 Generalized: affects multiple organs or the whole body (e.g., generalized septicemia).

Explain the difference between a localized and a generalized condition.

It’s caused by Actinomyces bovis infection. It can lead to bone lesions, abscesses, and possible condemnation of affected parts.

Why is "Lumpy Jaw" significant during inspection?

Stop processing and reinspect the carcass, as impact can cause contamination or internal injury.

What should an inspector do if they hear a carcass fall onto the floor?

It allows detection of abscesses, tuberculosis, or other hidden lesions that are not visible externally.

Why is the "Incision" technique for lymph nodes so critical?

Uremia is kidney failure causing buildup of waste in the blood. Detectable by ammonia-like odor in urine or meat

What is "Uremia" and how do you detect it organoleptically?

Animals showing signs of disease but not severely sick. They require close observation or post-mortem confirmation.

Describe the "Suspect" classification in ante-mortem inspection.

Edema is abnormal fluid accumulation in tissues. It can indicate heart, kidney, or liver disease, making meat unfit for consumption.

What is "Edema" and why does it lead to condemnation?

Lead fragments may contaminate the brain, posing a toxic risk to humans.

Why are brains from animals stunned by lead bullets considered unacceptable for food?

 Black, green, or bluish tissue

 Foul odor

 Soft or necrotic tissue

What is the visual indicator of "Gangrene" on an animal's skin or udder?

 Icterus (jaundice): yellowing of skin, mucous membranes, and organs.

 Normal yellow fat: only in adipose tissue, not in mucosa or organs.

How do you distinguish between "Icterus" and normal yellow fat?

Fibrous bands connecting organs that are normally separate, often due to inflammation or infection.

What are "Adhesions" in post-mortem inspection?

When there is suspected bacterial contamination or disease that can’t be confirmed visually.

When is a "Microbiologic examination" required?

Animals should be handled gently to avoid stress, injury, or pain during transport to slaughter.

What is the "Zero Pain Policy" during loading and transport?

To prevent disease spread, environmental contamination, and foodborne hazards.

Why must an inspector ensure the safe disposal of condemned parts?

Fresh, healthy meat with good water content and no spoilage.

What does a "glossy" cut surface on meat indicate?