How are beef cows slaughtered?

Answer 1

There are two meanings to the word "processing" in reference to cattle production:

1. Running cows through a chute or race to vaccinate, retag, preg-check and perform body condition scoring prior to being culled or being sent out on winter range or feed
2. Slaughtering cows for beef, after which the carcass is stored for a period of time (called curing the meat) before being cut up for meat.

Answer 2

Slaughtering methods may vary between each slaughterhouse, this is the method of most slaughterhouses.

The cattle are brought in from farms, feedlots, or ranches by trucks. They are held in holding pens were they are given a preslaughter inspection. Animals will then enter (one by one) into a small enclosed area (out of sight of other animals). Where they will then be rendered insensible (unconsious) by stunning. Animals are then taken to the assembly line, hanging by hind feet were the main artery is cut. The animal will then continue to bleed and will move into the butchering process.

For a more detailed explanation and how-to as how cattle are slaughtered, please see the related link below.

Answer 3

Only 40 to 45 percent of the cow is actually usable in the process. The average cost will be about 6 to 8 dollars a pound.