Anyone ever slaughtered a cow at home? *pictures in reply*

[GBov]

I hurt for a solid week from all the bending and lifting!

oh no! baby whatcha doing on the ground?

we wised up and now use a pallet - which gives a LITTLE relief and keeps the carcass from rocking all around (if you use 4x4's to brace it)

so

did you decide about the cow?? doing it? not doing it? still mulling?


ps sunshine? whats that? nothing but snow snow and more snow here!

I was on the ground because I discovered I simply wasnt strong enough to pull it into the tree I used for the smaller pigs lol.

And am calling about the steer tonight. Fingers crossed he still has it!

 

[GBov]

Just called the man with the add and he said he will have a 350lb steer ready for me on the third.

Am getting excited about disassembling a steer

 

[ohiofarmgirl]

whooot! sharpen those knives, baby! and make sure you tell us all about it

 

[Beekissed]

My mother and I butchered a 6 mo. old heifer here at our place last year. Hanging high is a consideration and having some heavy pullies and ropes helps.

We were able to cut up the carcass with a sawzaw....made things easy!

I have pics of our butchering with an easy skinning technique if you are interested.

Oooo Yes PLEASE!

I - well, my husband really - have an engine hoist that I will use to lift it with.

Sadly, no where to hang the meat to age it. Might be able to take the standing ribs and just have them in the fridge for two or three weeks as they are best aged. Will have to wait and see.

At least, even un-aged, the meat will be miles better than a poor feed lot beast.

Hmmmmm, sawzall, wonder if hubby would get me one of those

My mother cutting around the anus...yippee.

Cutting off legs:

Peeling down the cape:

Place a hammer under the cape and tie with rope, firmly! Attach rope to lawnmower, truck, four wheeler, etc.

Pull slowly...especially with a tender hide like a young cow:

Keep pullin'......oughtta skin out just like a squirrel!

Easy-peesy, lemon squeezy! Even a few old ladies can do it!

 

[elevan]

Good pics and instructions.

But...you might wanna post a graphic pics disclaimer in your title to warn some readers who may be sensitive to such pics.

 

[Beekissed]

Gee....I don't know....do ya think the word "slaughter" might be enough?

 

[DianeS]

Wow! I am avidly following this thread because although the largest thing I have right now is rabbits... SOMEDAY I will have cows. Someday.

I love the explanation of how to skin, using the hammer and 4 wheeler. Excellent! I never would have thought of that myself, but boy does it look easier than doing the whole thing by hand.

Keep the info coming... inquiring minds want to know!

 

[Royd Wood]

Yer mums a bit handy with the knife if we ever drop in for a farm tour can you just check the knife is in the drawer
Fair play to you lot and maybe I'm a pussy farmer but I'll leave it to my bucher to do the deed great post though

 

[ohiofarmgirl]

oh com' on Royd.. if a buncha gals can do it you can too!

we do our own pigs. i'm on guts. whooot!

;-)

 

[patandchickens]

Probably there's something simple I'm just missing here, but... how exactly are you going to get a big ol' dead steer up and INTO your van?


Pat