Improving Methods and Facilities for Cattle Slaughtering Plants in the Southwest

Excerpts from the report Introduction: Many changes have occurred in the meat industry in the Southwest in recent years. Among the more important changes has been the increased number of small specialized cattle slaughtering plants which are located near both livestock producing areas and meat consuming centers. Many of these plants have developed since 1940. Few of these plants were planned and constructed with the benefit of technical assistance. As a result, the arrangement of component parts of most plants does not provide for a direct flow of products between departments with a minimum of handling. Work stations are not always located to provide the shortest distances of movement for meat products. The result is excessive labor. A majority of these smaller plants are also plagued with inadequate space for chilling and holding meat. Some plants are still operating with obsolete equipment. This study was undertaken to: (1) Measure the relative efficiencies of various work methods and types and combinations of types of equipment used in one-bed slaughter plants; (2) compare the various combinations of work methods and equipment to determine their effects on total plant costs; (3) determine the effects of carcass weight on labor and equipment requirements; and (4) develop layouts with equipment arrangements.