Slaughter and carcass dressing Flashcards
What are the key steps in beef production?
What are the key steps in lamb production?
What are the key steps in pork production?
define killing
any intentionally induced process which causes the death of an animal
define slaughtering
the killing of animals intended for human consumption
define stunning
any intentionally induced process which causes loss of consciousness and sensibility without pain
define emergency killing
the killing of animals which are injured or have a disease associated with severe pain or suffering and where there is no other practical possibility to alleviate this pain or suffering;
What are the aims of stunning?
Kill/slaughter humanely;
Obtain the maximum amount of blood from the animal - increases keeping quality;
Health and safety.
What skills can be included in a certificate of competence?
▪handle animals;
▪stun animals;
▪pith animals;
▪restrain animals;
▪shackle animals;
▪hoist animals;
▪bleed live animals;
▪check stunning has worked; ▪check pithing has worked.
What are the three methods of stunning allowed under Regulation EC 1099/2009?
Captive bolt – cattle
Electronarcosis – pigs, sheep and poultry
Gas – pigs and poultry
What are the physiological effects of a captive bolt stun?
Acceleration of the head causing brain impact.
Nerve and blood vessel damage.
Disruption of electrical brain activity.
Massive pressure rise and fall.
What are the signs of an effective stun?
Animal collapses.
No rhythmic breathing.
Fixed, glazed expression.
No corneal reflex.
Relaxed jaw and hanging tongue.
What are the phases of a stun
Describe electric stunning
▪Low voltage systems = 7 secs application;
▪High voltage systems (more common) = 3 secs application;
▪Head only = ? Reversible;
▪Head to body = cardiac arrest = irreversible; (state of the art, no chance of welfare issues)
▪Never body only;
▪Minimum current device mandatory.
Fill in the table with minimum voltage for different species
How long are the different phases in different species
What are the 3 types of gas stunning?
1.Carbon dioxide at high concentration;
2. Carbon dioxide mixed with inert gases;
3. Inert gases.
Describe carbon dioxide at high concentration
Minimum conc. is 80% carbon dioxide
Exposure of conscious pigs to gas must lead to anoxia (loss of oxygen to brain);
Pigs must not enter gas stunner if carbon dioxide conc. by volume falls below 80% in first 30 seconds;
Pig must be conveyed to maximum concentration of gas within 30s of entering stunner
Describe carbon dioxide mixed with inert gases
Pigs must be exposed directly or progressively to gas mixture containing up to maximum 40% of carbon dioxide mixed with inert gases;
Must lead to anoxia.
Describe inert gases
Pigs must be exposed directly or progressively to inert gas mixture such as argon or nitrogen. This exposure must lead to anoxia.
Ideal stun because CO2 smells bad & irritates mucus membranes so pigs will be uncomfortable for some time
What are the requirements for a gas stun
▪ Chamber to contain pigs/CO2/air & conveyor system;
▪ Flush stunner with air so staff can enter chamber;
▪ Back-up mechanical device;
▪ Visually monitor pigs in gas stunner;
▪ Access pigs as quickly as possible (bleeding);
▪ Allow pigs to remain standing until they lose consciousness;
▪ Enough space for pigs to lie down without lying on each other;
▪ Adequate lighting to allow pigs to see other pigs & their surroundings;
▪ Gas stunners & their conveyors must not injure or bruise pigs or compress pig’s chest.
What are the signs of an effective gas stun
Recumbent animal - limbs, jaw relaxed;
No voluntary movements or righting reflexes present;
No response to pin prick on nose;
Absence of normal breathing.
What are the advantages of gas stunning?
No excitement.
Relaxed animals allow for easy bleeding.
Non-invasive.
Reduced blood splash and Pale Soft Exudative (PSE) meat.
What are the disadvantages of gas stunning
What are the essential steps of bleeding during slaughter?
Neck cut (carotids and jugulars) for small ruminants.
Thoracic stick (ascending aorta) for cattle and pigs.
Best performed during the tonic phase.
What are some factors affecting bleeding?
What is singing (pig)?
▪Eliminate remaining hair on surface of carcass;
▪1.000oC;
▪Step added in process in regard of meat quality, however it also improves food safety.
What is polishing (pig)?
▪Improves quality;
▪Eliminates burned hair & superficial
epidermis;
▪Excessive force could produce some minor damage in carcass;
▪Increases contamination.
What steps are followed for large game meat processed at an abattoir?
What is the procedure for large game meat shot on farm?
- Food Chain Information (FCI) is replaced by health declaration from approved veterinarian.
- Transported as emergency-slaughtered animal to abattoir.
- Normal dressing process follows.
How is wild large game processed?
What are the advantages of farmed large game meat?
Available all year round.
Similar nutritional & sensory qualities as wild game.
Easier to manage for consistent supply & quality.
Why is the EU health mark important?
Certifies hygienic food production in licensed premises.
Allows traceability of food to its origin.
After brexit what must all POAO’s exported from UK have
After BREXIT, all POAO’s exported from UK must be accompanied by an official EHC (Export Health Certificate) signed by a vet.
