BEEF PROCESSING AND POINTS OF CONTAMINATION./INFECTION.

Beef processing could be done manually or in slaughtering lines,but however you choose to slaughter basic hygiene principles must be observed. Water is an essential resource in any meat processing plant.Water is needed in all the processing segments to ensure that the beef is wholesome and fit for human consumption.The source of water must be clean,portable ..The source is basically pipe-borne water fully treated to ensure that any pathogen is destroyed,pipes must be checked to ensure its not burs ted or have any underground access to sewage. Water is usually used at high pressure to hose the animal down as they are brought into the slap,then every aspect of the processing is interrupted with hosing down before moving to next stage. Transportation to the market is another point of contamination; when processed beef are exposed and transported in dirty basins or carried in dirty wheel barrows.The beef when in transit should be not be tied up in bags,as the heat generated will be a breeding ground for pathogens to thrive.The heat generated will also facilitate spoilage of the beef,resulting in sale of spoiled beef in the market. Beef processing should be carried out in clean environment and transported in clean vehicles that are properly aerated with cooling facilities.Beef should be hung on rails in the vans,to ensure no part of the beef is heated up.This will prevent spoilage of beef before arrival in shops.

Livestock, Poultry and Seed Program - Agricultural Marketing Service

Livestock, Poultry and Seed Program - Agricultural Marketing Service

USDA Farmers Market - Agricultural Marketing Service

USDA Farmers Market - Agricultural Marketing Service

WASTE AND WASTE MANAGEMENT IN ABATTOIR.

The ruminal contents are collected and left to dry and then used as land fills or vegetable garden. These waste can be collected and passed to bio digester which can be used to generate power. This will keep environment clean, safe and slaughter-zone hygienic.

BOVINE PAPILLOMATOSIS.

Papillomatosis also referred to as warts.Its caused by a virus and are various species that are specific.calves are most susceptible. Bovine warts are caused by contagious virus,the papilloma virus.This usually spread by contact from infected cattle to non infected cattle or indirectly from feeders,halters and restraining equipment.

The warts are like cauliflower lesions or flat thickened lesions on the neck,head,trunk,teats and penis.These lesions normally appear 1-6 months after infection and not all infected cattle show lesions. 

The lesions normally spread from ears to other sites,cattle with ear tags or tatoos are prone to infection with secondary bacteria thus causing wide spread purulent discharges . Cattle with these lesion are properly examined if presented for slaughter in the abattoir and the skin should be condemned.

Red meat value chain : Uses of cattle by products.

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CATTLE BY-PRODUCT PROCESSING AND USES.

Cattle by-products can add value to the beef processing value chain if properly managed and marketed. The cattle by-products include; horns,tail-hair switch) ,blood and skin. Horns, from the cattle are collected and processed.

The processing involves washing; the horns are washed ,disinfected and dried.The inner core of the horn is removed and chemicals are applied to fix the horns and to prevent it from decay.

 The horns can be colored using various dyes and are sold internationally as decorative ornaments.The horns can be sold plain,colored or can be grounded and processed to make buttons and fashion accessories. 

 The horns are a source of foreign exchange as they can be used in various industries such as fashion, pharmaceutical and tourism. 

  

 The tail-hair are collected and processed.The tail-hair popularly called switch is also another money-spinner,this is sold also in foreign market.The tail-hair is collected, washed and processed.

These are processed into traditional ornaments,used as decorative pieces, they are also processed to hair extensions which attract high market value. The ruminal content though in waste management category has a place in this piece.

The ruminal content, collected and processed by drying can be used as fertilizers in vegetable gardens.These can also be processed and used as supplement for animal feed. The processing of the content in large volumes will involve use of biodigester produce bio-gas. 

 The collected blood is processed by boiling ,drying and used as blood meal in animal feed.The skin usually processed for consumption can be processed into leather products.

The leather by-products from the skin command high market value with great foreign exchange potential.