What are the steps in processing meat?
“Processing” includes all the steps involved in turning a live animal into meat for sale: Slaughter: stunning, bleeding, skinning, eviscerating, and cleaning; end products are carcass halves or quarters, which go into a cooler for immediate chilling.
How did the meat industry start?
The U.S. meat industry began during colonial times. Initially, colonists depended on wild animals for their meat supply. As the supply of domestic livestock increased, colonists became involved in trading meat with the West Indies in exchange for molasses. The first retail meat shops were operated by colonial butchers.
What are the stages of beef production?
Systems of commercial beef cattle production may be divided into three general categories: (1) the cow calf segment which produces weaned feeder calves for further grazing and/or feeding, (2) the backgrounding or stocker phase of production in which body weight is added to recently weaned calves, resulting in …
What is the final production stage in the beef industry?
The final stage of beef production before distribution, the cattle enter a processing facility (also called a packing plant).
What are the three main criteria when judging a steer?
besides the industry goals listed in the box, there are five main criteria to consider when selecting beef cattle: (1) growth and frame or skeletal size, (2) muscling, (3) volume, performance, (4) condition, trimness, and (5) structure, soundness, balance.
How bad is beef for the environment?
Meat consumption is responsible for releasing greenhouse gases such as methane, CO2, and nitrous oxide. These gases contribute to climate change, such as global warming. Livestock farming contributes to these greenhouse gases in several ways: The destruction of forest ecosystems.
Why is cow meat bad for you?
Saturated fat, which has been linked to cancers of the colon and breast as well as to heart disease. Carcinogens formed when meat is cooked. Heme iron, the type of iron found in meat, that may produce compounds that can damage cells, leading to cancer.
Is pork healthier than beef?
Pork. Lean pork is every bit as good for your body as lean beef and chicken. In one study, substituting lean pork for beef and chicken led to less body fat and better heart health.