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- a. Anesthesia.
- b. Recovery test.
In European countries, humane slaughter laws have been in effect for many years. These laws require that the animal be rendered unconscious before being bled. Kosher slaughter has been exempted.
In the U.S., by contrast, there was no national humane slaughter legislation and European slaughtering methods were not in this country. Cattle were the only species rendered unconscious before bleeding. Cattle slaughter utilized a manually applied knocking hammer called a "poleax." The effectiveness of this method depended entirely upon the individual holding the hammer. Although usually stunned with the first blow, some cattle required several attempts. For the unexperienced individual, the aim would be inaccurate and an animal would be hit in the eye or the side of the face. Obviously, at the hearings which led to the passage of the Federal Humane Slaughter Law, witnesses pointed out that not only must the animal be slaughtered humanely, but also the handling of the animal in connection with its slaughter must be accomplished humanely.
The Federal Humane Slaughter Law became effective August 27, 1958. Poultry (chickens, turkeys, ducks, etc.) were not mentioned in the law and therefore are exempt. The Federal Humane Law is not compulsory. It regulates handling procedures in the abattoir up to and including the stunning process. Only those plants wishing to sell meat to federal agencies must participate. Therefore, in order for a packer to sell to federal agencies, he must humanely slaughter animals. Meat produced in state inspected plants and in foreign countries was not covered by the 1958 Act.
It is important that stunning be complete before the shackles are attached to the animal. Hoisting and bleeding also should be delayed until the animal is completely stunned.
Five methods of humane slaughter are:
Small bore firearms may be used to shoot either hollow pointed bullets, fragmentable iron plastic composition bullets, or powered iron missiles into the skull. Regardless of the type of bullet used, about 10% of all cheek meat and head trimmings from animals stunned by shooting contain whole or fragmented bullets. Brains are about 100% contaminated. Therefore, brains, cheekmeat and headmeat cannot be saved as edible.
Developed by George A. Hormel and Company, Austin, Minnesota. Primarily used on swine. The mixture is 60% CO2 with atmospheric air. Animal loses consciousness 15 seconds after entering the chamber. The CO2 chamber is very expensive to construct, maintain and operate. Consequently the trend has been to replace C02 equipment by the electrical stunning method.
The equipment must be so designed that the electrical charge after passing through the brain will ground through the stunning equipment. The amperage must be closely regulated to prevent two possible shortcomings - broken backs and/or petechial hemorrhages.
It is considered humane under the law, although the animal is not rendered unconscious prior to shackling, hoisting and bleeding. A single instantaneous cut which severs the jugular veins and carotid arteries is performed by a scheckter, a rabbi's assistant. The animal becomes unconscious and dies from blood loss to the brain.
The Humane Slaughter Law is enforced nationally through the participation of federal inspectors. Annually, the inspectors file reports indicating whether humane slaughter is practiced in their plant and which species are slaughtered in this manner. This information is then collected, compiled and published in the Federal Register. The Federal Register is then sent to all governmental agencies who need only to review the list before placing an order for meat.
Some states, such as Minnesota, have their own humane slaughter statues.
On October 10, 1978, President Carter signed the Humane Slaughter Act of 1978 (Public Law 95-445). The Act requires all state and federally inspected establishments to employ only humane methods of slaughter and handling in preparation for slaughter. It also prohibits the importation of meat from animals that had not been handled or slaughtered in a humane method. The Secretary (USDA) may refuse to provide inspection to a new slaughtering establishment or may cause inspection to be temporarily suspended if unacceptable methods are used. To give firms time to adapt their methods, the law was not effective until October 11, 1979.
- a. Regular antemortem inspection
- b. Delayed slaughter antemortem inspection
- c. Alternative procedure antemortem inspection
- d. U.S. Suspect
- e. Handled as a U.S. Suspect
- f. Downer
- g. Tuberculosis reactor
- h. Brucellosis reactor
- a. Livestock pens
- b. U.S. Suspect pen
- c. Floors in livestock pens
- d. Restraining devices
- e. Assistance for antemortem inspection
- a. Cattle
- b. Swine
- c. Sheep
- d. Calves
- a. a T.B. reactor is found dead or is condemned on antemortem inspection.
- b. a brucellosis reactor is found dead or is condemned on antemortem inspection.
- c. a brucellosis goat is presented for antemortem inspection.
- d. the prescribed method for handling a T.B. reactor.
- e. animals are injected with an approved proteolytic enzyme.
- a. investigational animals are presented for slaughter.
- b. the plant wishes to use insecticides in the antemortem pens.
- c. the plant wishes to wash cattle prior to slaughter.
One of the first inspection procedures to be accomplished at the meat plant is that of antemortem inspection. It is the first chance the inspector has to recognize and have removed those animals that cannot be converted into wholesome product. And therein lies the purpose of antemortem inspection: To accept only those animals that can be converted into products acceptable for use as human food.
This assignment is one of the more demanding as well as satisfying responsibilities of the inspector demanding in that it is often difficult to recognize the significance of various and sometimes subtle signs, and satisfying in that the inspector is often able to anticipate postmortem findings, thereby causing those animals to be removed from the normal slaughter sequence. Most of the animals brought in for slaughter have been in feedlots or under a controlled feeding program.
These can present some symptoms of disease and other problems, but these type animals are usually quite young and free from many of the condition that will be covered later in this session. Some animals, however, are offered for food when their productive usefulness has declined. The strain of shipping, and many times being sent through a sale yard before being brought to the packing house, can make them more susceptible to disease. The use of antibiotics and other types of treatments can also mask some infectious disease processes that create further problems in detection for the inspector.
In order that antemortem inspection can be accomplished in the most expedient, efficient manner, plant management must provide adequate equipment.
One of the first things to mention is the "antemortem kit." This kit should contain the following items: an accurate thermometer, condemn tags, hog rings, tagging pliers, ID tags (MP form 402.2), and U.S. reject/retain tags (MP form 35). This equipment is usually kept in a box capable of being locked. It is located near the antemortem pens. The antemortem kit equipment is furnished by MPI with the exception of the thermometer, which is to be furnished by the establishment.
The antemortem pens should be designed to provide a clean supply of drinking water for the animals and facilities for feeding those animals held longer than 24 hours while awaiting slaughter. Well located hose connections should be provided for the clean up of the pens. To avoid dust and odors entering the plant, the holding pens as well as suspect pen should be effectively separated from the slaughtering department.
If the official establishment serves a dual purpose, such as a public stockyard or sale barn, as well as a slaughter facility, separate pens must be designated for animals presented for antemortem inspection and those destined for resale. You would only inspect those intended for slaughter.
It would be uncommon for an individual to request that you do an antemortem inspection on one or two animals while the they are still in the truck or trailer. This should never be done. One reason is the safety factor. Another reason is that technically the animals are not on the official premises (while in the trailer) and therefore if you were to suspect or condemn an animal, the individual may attempt to leave without unloading. A third reason is that you just cannot perform an adequate inspection in the truck.
Even though lighting has been discussed in the sanitation module, it should be briefly discussed again. At least as a minimum 100 candlelights should be provided in pens or alleys where the inspection is done. You would measure this light approximately 3 feet above floor level. The suspect pen should be equipped with a minimum of 20 candlelights measured 3 feet above floor level.
Each suspect pen should be equipped with a restraining device of some sort. There are many types utilized today, such as squeeze chutes, swinging gates located in the corner of the pen called squeeze gates, boxes, or any other device that will effectively immobilize an animal to allow a close examination. Some plants slaughtering calves and/or sheep may elect to provide sufficient manpower to restrain the suspects.
All pens should be cleaned daily. However, in those parts of the country that experience extended periods of cold, snowy, icy weather, a daily cleaning of pens is a real problem. Station policy will dictate the degree of pen cleaning during unusual weather conditions. Straw bedding, if any, and waste materials must not be stacked outside the pens. In order to control insects, rodents, and odor, the waste materials must be hauled away or buried.
The establishment must also furnish sufficient employees to move, segregate, restrain, identify, and dispose of animals as requested by the inspector. While employees can be of much assistance, do not allow them to interfere or bias your inspection.
With one exception, to be noted later, all animals must be inspected in the official pens on the day of and prior to slaughter.
The antemortem inspection will be accomplished by a veterinarian or an inspector under veterinary supervision. Generally enough animals will be available at early morning inspection to complete the day's slaughter. However, subsequent inspections may have to be made. In those situations where an inspector is assigned to a low volume plant and animals are delivered during the slaughter operation, the inspector may find it necessary to stop postmortem inspection in order to conduct antemortem inspection on the late arrivals. The inspection procedure for all livestock requires observing the animals at rest and while in motion.
All animals should be observed while at rest in the pens. Observations of cattle, large calves, boars, stags, sows, horses, and other equines should be from outside the pen. Small calves, butcher hogs, sheep, and goats can he inspected at rest from inside the pen. The at rest inspection is to be conducted without causing excitement to the animals, yet making sure you see each one. The general conduct of each animal should be noticed to determine whether it appears sluggish or (listless) peepless or just resting quietly. The appearance of listlessness or sluggishness could be an indication of a subnormal condition. You would note the general appearance of each animal particularly the respiration which if quickened, could be an indication of some abnormal condition. Any animal appearing abnormal during this at rest inspection will be segregated for a more in depth inspection in the suspect pen.
The next step is to observe the animals in motion. This means having the plant employee get all animals on their feet and watching them move about. Both sides of each animal should be observed. One suggestion to accomplish this is to have the animals driven from one pen to another and then returned to the original pen. By positioning yourself out of the way yet in a position to observe them, you can be assured of observing both sides of the animal without causing excitement in an efficient manner. Some arrangements may require the use of a mirror to observe both sides at the same time. You will be looking for conditions such as epithelioma of the eye, lumpy jaw injection lesions, swellings, lameness and any other sign that would indicate an abnormality. Any abnormality will result in that animal being segregated in the suspect pen for a more thorough inspection by the veterinarian.
This is the general antemortem inspection procedure. Observe all animals at rest and while in motion on the day of slaughter.
It is necessary to point out two exceptions to this procedure as outlined in the MPI manual. When a plant is slaughtering a high number of animals each day, plant management may elect to use tile alternative procedure. This would require the plant to accept the responsibility for segregating all abnormal animals for a thorough MPI inspection. The remainder of the animals will be held for the antemortem inspector who will examine all animals found normal by the establishment while they are at rest. The inspector will then select at random 5 to 10% of animals from several lots and observe them in motion from both sides. If the inspector determines the plant is not segregating abnormal animals or is not holding all animals for inspection, the department would require regular procedures be reinstituted.
On the other hand an inspector may be assigned to more than one plant during a regular daily assignment and not be available to perform antemortem on the day of slaughter. If this were the case, low volume plants (only) may slaughter no later than the following morning animals that were given an antemortem inspection on the preceding afternoon. There are some restrictions that must be considered. The number of animals presented for antemortem inspection should not exceed the number that can be slaughtered and properly chilled by that plant in one day. Preoperative sanitation of the slaughter plant must also be done on the preceding afternoon. Any animal tagged "U. S. Suspect" must be slaughtered in the inspector's presence. There must be acceptable provisions available to identify and control those animals receiving an early antemortem inspection.
Acceptable devices such as self-locking or sealing tags must be applied to each animal in the inspector's presence and the control of these locking devices maintained by the inspector. A tattoo or other suitable device is to be used on mechanically dehaired swine.
Once the animals designated to be removed to the suspect pen have been removed by the designated plant employee, there is a need to indicate that the remaining animals have been inspected and are passed for regular slaughter. This is done by filling out a report or pen card. This pen card should have at least the following information.
The report or pen card must accompany the animals whenever and wherever they are moved. They must be moved as a lot with no additions or removals without contacting the inspector. The report card is to be delivered to the inspector conducting postmortem inspection at the time the animals are brought to slaughter. Throughout the day antemortem report cards should be compared with the number of animals brought to slaughter to assure that all animals slaughtered did receive antemortem inspection. These pen cards are to be filed in the inspector's office for one week.
When an animal shows signs of disease or abnormalities it should be segregated, restrained, and closely examined by an MPI veterinarian. If it is determined that a more detailed than normal postmortem inspection is required, that animal is to be tagged with a "U. S . Suspect" tag. The animal will then be released for slaughter as a suspect. The MPI veterinarian will determine the time of slaughter for all suspects since they must be slaughtered separately from other livestock. Swine suspects will be tagged with the "U. S. Suspect" tag, but if the plant mechanically dehairs these swine, a tattoo may also be required for additional identification.
Unfortunately there are exceptions to the previous statement concerning the tagging of each suspect animal. Cattle affected with epithelioma of the eye, actinobacillosis, or actinomycosis, to such an extent that the lesions would be readily detected on postmortem inspection, need not be individually tagged "U.S. Suspect." These animals will be handled as suspects. The term "handled as suspects" simply means that the animals will be segregated into the suspect pen and handled exactly the same as any other suspect, except that the U.S. suspect tag will not be attached to the ear. As inspectors we frequently use the term "obvious" to describe a condition that in all probability will be readily detected on postmortem inspection. Examples might include a large "lumpy" jaw, or a large swelling in the throat or neck region. Still another example might be epithelioma of the eye, where the eye is totally enclosed and affected, maybe swollen, possibly draining. Conditions to this extent when detected in cattle need not be tagged. They are to be "handled" as suspects.
If you detect an animal with an eye missing, whether it appears to have been destroyed by an eye condition or appears to have been surgically removed, that animal should be tagged with the U.S. suspect tag.
In addition to tagging suspects and handling animals as suspects, the information is recorded on a form called "identification tag antemortem" (MP form 402.2). The MP 402.2 is to be completed for all suspects. Generally the food inspector will only complete the form through the "weight" section. The remaining sections of the form should be completed by the veterinarian.
When TB (tuberculosis) reactors are brought to slaughter, they are segregated into the suspect pen. MPI regulations state that TB reactors should be treated as suspects. They almost always have a reactor tag in their left ear. This tag is used as the identifying device and a suspect tag is not affixed to this animal. All other suspect procedures will be followed.
There are several instances where an animal's temperature must be taken and recorded. The temperature must be taken on all TB reactors. When an animal shows inflammation of the udder (i.e., mastitis) the temperature must be taken and recorded. All downers, those animals that for one reason or another are unable to stand or that have abnormal changes in locomotion, must have their temperature taken. Any other animal showing signs of abnormal temperature (either high or low) need to have their temperature recorded.
The average temperature will also vary between breeds and ages. The normal average is 102.5°F for sheep and 102°F for swine,. This information is only intended to give you a starting place as to what is normal and what could be outside of normal. Experience, consultation with your supervisor, observing the previously mentioned variables, and good common sense are a few of the considerations you should use when you are identifying abnormal temperatures on antemortem inspection.
The MPI regulations list some specific temperatures which when observed will require condemnation of the animal. These temperatures are, for swine a temperature of 106°F or higher and for other meat producing animals a temperature of 105°F or higher. Such temperatures require that those animals be condemned by the veterinarian on antemortem inspection.
The veterinarian can and will make any one of several decisions regarding animals segregated in the suspect pen. One of those decisions could be the release of the animal for regular slaughter when upon close inspection there is no evidence the animal is diseased. If this is the case a pen card will have to be completed showing the animal is released for slaughter.
Another decision the veterinarian might make is to allow the animal to go to slaughter as a suspect. This decision would indicate the need for a much closer and more detailed postmortem inspection by the veterinarian. The veterinarian will also indicate when the slaughter of suspects is to take place.
The animal may be diseased or have a condition that in the opinion of the veterinarian causes it to be unfit for human consumption. If this occurs the animal will be identified as "condemned" with a red condemned tag attached to its ear. The animal will then be destroyed humanely.
Finally, the animal may have a condition that in the opinion of the veterinarian could be treated. Upon request of plant management, the MPI veterinarian may release the animal for treatment provided the local, state, or federal health official having jurisdiction agrees to the release. Only at the time of release for treatment will the inspector remove the condemned or suspect tag from the animal.
If the MPI has tank facilities on the premises the animal will he placed in the tank under the supervisor of an inspector, who at that time will remove the condemned tank. The tag number is used to report the disposition of the animal.
Some plants do not have tanking facilities, requiring the condemned animal be removed from the premises for tanking. The usual procedure in an instance like this is to have the animal killed and while still under the direct supervision of the inspector be denatured. An approved denaturant such as crude carbolic acid, cresylic disinfectant or other prescribed agent is applied into all the major muscles of the dead animal by means of injection, usually through the hide. This is to cause the animals' tissue to smell or look so different that it could not be used for human food.
In lieu of injecting the denaturant, the plant may elect to slash the dead carcass and pour the denaturant over and into the exposed muscle tissue . Only after the denaturant has been applied will the inspector remove the U.S. condemned tag from the carcass and allow it to be hauled away.
There is one other method used to destroy condemned animals and that is by incineration under the inspector's supervision.
In no case will you allow a condemned carcass be dressed, skinned, etc., in any edible department.
Previously TB reactors were mentioned. Actually you should have considerably more information regarding TB reactors. First of all, a TB reactor is an animal that has reacted to a TB test, usually applied to the animal in the field. All animals reacting to the tuberculin test are required to be slaughtered and closely examined on postmortem inspection to determine if any TB lesions are present.
TB reactors are brought to the slaughter establishment, accompanied by a VS form 1-27 or similar form. The animals are identified by a brand "T" on the left jaw, and a reactor tag (with serial number) in the left ear. This number is the one you would record on the MP form 402.2 in lieu of a U.S. suspect tag number. The TB reactor is handled as a suspect as previously discussed. When a TB reactor dies, is found dead in the antemortem pens, or is condemned for another reason, a postmortem inspection must be accomplished on that animal by the veterinarian. The postmortem inspection will be done in an area other than an edible department.
Animals that have reacted to a Brucellosis test are required to be slaughtered. The identity of these animals must also be maintained. The animals are usually identified by a "B" brand on the left jaw, and a "Bang's" reactor tag in the left ear.
All Brucellosis reactors should he handled and slaughtered as a separate lot; however, the procedure does not require further MPI control. They are not separated and handled as Suspects and therefore are not required to have special inspection by the MPI veterinarian, unless some other condition would warrant closer observation. Likewise, there are no specific requirements for handling "Bang's" reactors found dead in the pens, except to see that they are properly tanked, denatured, or incinerated as the plant would normally handle any dead livestock.
Whether the animal is slaughtered or dies before slaughter, a report is submitted by the veterinarian to the state or federal agency having jurisdiction. This report indicates the reactor was received and its disposition was consummated at the official establishment.
To minimize the risks associated with exposure to a "Bang's" reactor, you should use care in making incisions, avoid cutting yourself, and if you do have open wounds, scratches, etc., wash promptly and use first aid. Avoid contamination of your eyes with body fluids of carcasses and unnecessary contact with the tissues most likely to be infected. Many animals that are identified as Brucellosis reactors do not carry Brucella organisms. However, one can never be too safe. Prompt medical treatment should be received for any illness associated with fever. Inform the physician of possible exposure to Brucella organisms.
Goats that have reacted to the brucellosis test are not eligible for slaughter in the official establishment. Therefore, a brucellosis reactor goat would be condemned on antemortem.
Proteolytic enzymes are used to cause the meat muscle to be more tender after slaughter. Only those animals that have been inspected and do not show any symptoms of disease or other abnormal conditions are to be injected. The usual procedure is to inject an approved proteolytic enzyme into the animal through the jugular vein. Generally the amount of fluid injected will depend on the weight of the animal. The primary concern rests with proper labeling of the dressed carcass. Since it takes 1-1/2 to 2 minutes for the enzyme to circulate through the system and 30 minutes for dissipation, the plant is required to slaughter the animals between this time period. At least 2 minutes must elapse after injection, and no more than 30 minutes before slaughter of the animal occurs.
From time to time test animals from various schools and research testing facilities will be submitted for slaughter. Generally these type animals are referred to as "investigational" animals. In no case will the inspector approve for slaughter any of these animals until a letter from the administrator, through the area supervisor, is received by your inspector in charge, authorizing the animals to be slaughtered.
Plant officials may feel it is necessary to spray for insects. MPI will allow the use of "knock-down" sprays on cattle prior to slaughter provided they adhere to the following requirements.
When the company wishes to wash cattle prior to slaughter, the washing must be done at a time that will allow the animal to dry off enough to preclude dripping when it is stunned.
The MPI regulations and manual identify several requirements that must be met when an emergency slaughter situation arises. Emergency slaughter is intended to allow for the slaughter of seriously injured animals during other than normal inspection times. It is not intended to allow slaughtering of sick or dying animals or those that have been treated with a drug or chemical and presented for slaughter before the required withdrawal period. In all cases of emergency slaughter, except when it is necessary for humane reasons to slaughter an injured animal at night, on Sunday, or on a holiday when an inspector cannot be obtained, the animal is to be inspected immediately before slaughter even though that animal may have been previously inspected.
When it becomes necessary to slaughter an animal because of an emergency, the establishment shall notify the inspector in charge so that arrangements can be made to provide inspection. The inspector must also stay alert for signs of chemical poisoning, biological residues, and drug treated animals. Some symptoms to look for would be a peculiar gait, either exaggerated or maybe very still, restlessness, difficult breathing, convulsions, and death. The inspector should also be alert for signs such as unusual swelling or lesions which could indicate injection sites. All approved drugs have required withdrawal time periods. If drug or chemical residues is suspected, the animal or animals should be segregated immediately. At the present time tranquilizers are not approved for use on livestock destined for slaughter.
