There are several alternatives for the humane restraint of livestock during ritual slaughter. From an animal welfare standpoint, the most important issue in ritual slaughter is the method of restraint. Animals should be restrained in the most comfortable upright position possible. Having animals upright prior to slaughter is not only more humane, but also provides a safer environment for handlers.

To induce the cattle to stay still and ride quietly, the solid hold down rack MUST be long enough so that the animal entering the restrainer can NOT see out until it's feet are completely off the enterance ramp.

• Either V restrainer or center track restrainer systems can be used for holding cattle, sheep or calves in an upright position during shehita. The restrainer is stopped for each animal and a head holder holds the head for the rabbi.
  Research in Holland indicates that the center track design provides the advantage of reducing bloodspots in the meat.

This headholding device is in the public domain and can NOT be patented. Diagrams are published in T. Grandin 1993. Livestock Handling and Transport, CABI Publishing, p. 306. This was done to make this device readily available and to improve animal welfare.

This headholding device is in the public domain and can NOT be patented. Diagrams are published in T. Grandin 1993, Livestock Handling and Transport, CABI Publishing, p. 306. This was done to make this device readily available and to improve animal welfare.