Equipment for Stunning Animals and Cattle Slaughter Line Processing
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Cattle are processed in compliance with the rules of veterinary and sanitary inspection of slaughter animals and veterinary and sanitary examination of meat and meat products. 
What types of livestock processing lines exist?
There are several distinct processing lines, each matched to a species and dressing method. The choice of line determines the equipment layout and the sequence of operations on the mechanized conveyor.
- Lines for cattle and small ruminants;
- Lines for pigs with full or partial scalding;
- Lines for pigs with hide removal and cropping (croupon method);
- Universal lines for processing all kinds of livestock.
How are animals prepared before slaughter?
To ensure the steady, rhythmic operation of the processing lines, animals are moved into pre-slaughter pens 1 to 2 hours before slaughter. To prevent injury and damage to the hide while driving the livestock into the pre-slaughter pens, handlers use electric and electronic prods or canvas clappers rather than blows.
How are animals washed before processing?
Washing differs by species in the pre-slaughter pens. The legs of cattle are washed, pigs are washed under a shower with a water temperature of 20–25 °C, and small ruminants are not washed at all.
Why is a curved drive race the most effective?
A curved drive race is the most effective layout for cattle because it exploits the animals' natural tendency to move in a circle and keeps the stunning box out of their line of sight. Removing the box from view reduces the animals' reluctance to advance and keeps the flow moving smoothly toward the stunning point.
The handler's walkway should run alongside the drive race and never cross it. The walls of the race are solid so that the animals are not frightened by people or moving machinery. Lighting should be even and diffuse, since animals move more readily from darker areas into more brightly lit ones.
