sloughter

Sloughter is a term derived from the Old English word "sluhtan," meaning to cut or slice. It refers to the process of killing animals for meat or other products. The term is often used in the context of livestock, such as cattle, pigs, and sheep, but can also apply to other animals like poultry and fish. The sloughtering process typically involves stunning the animal to render it unconscious before slaughter, followed by the actual killing and subsequent processing of the carcass. This process is regulated by various laws and standards to ensure humane treatment and food safety. Sloughterhouses are facilities where this process takes place, and they are designed to handle large volumes of animals efficiently. The industry is subject to strict regulations to maintain public health and animal welfare standards. The term "sloughter" is sometimes used interchangeably with "slaughter," but the former is less commonly encountered in modern usage.