How are beef cows slaughtered?

1.Stunning:

The first step in the slaughtering process is to stun the cow to render it unconscious. This is done using a captive bolt gun, which fires a bolt into the cow's skull, or by using an electrical stunning method. Stunning minimizes pain and distress to the animal.

2.Exsanguination:

After stunning, the cow is hoisted and hung by its hind legs on a conveyor belt. A large blood vessel in the neck, known as the carotid artery, is cut to drain the blood from the animal's body. The blood is typically collected and processed for various uses, such as in the production of blood meal for animal feed or pharmaceutical products.

3.Skinning:

Once the bleeding process is complete, the hide of the cow is removed through a process called skinning. Specialized machinery or skilled workers use knives to separate the hide from the underlying flesh and remove it in one large piece.

4.Evisceration:

After skinning, the abdominal cavity of the cow is opened, and the internal organs are removed through a process called evisceration. This includes removing organs like the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, intestines, and reproductive organs. These organs are then inspected and sorted for various uses, such as human consumption, pet food, or rendering for other products.

5.Splitting:

The carcass is then split down the center into two sides or "halves." This is typically done using a saw, and it allows for easier handling and further processing of the meat.

6.Further Processing:

The sides of the beef are then subjected to further processing, such as trimming, cutting, and packaging. This may involve removing any remaining bits of bone or cartilage, separating different primal cuts of meat (e.g., brisket, ribeye, tenderloin), and preparing the meat for sale to retailers or consumers.

7.Byproduct Utilization:

During the slaughtering process, various byproducts are collected, including inedible materials such as heads, hooves, and internal organs. These byproducts are not wasted and can be utilized in various ways, such as in the production of gelatin, leather, animal feed, fertilizers, and pharmaceutical ingredients.

It's important to note that these steps are carried out in a regulated and controlled manner to ensure hygiene, safety, and animal welfare during the slaughtering process.