—For convenience in handling the carcasses on the beds, a pritch is used (See [Fig. 38]). This stick is arranged with a spike in one end and a ferrule on the other; used to hold the animal when rolled on its back. Pritches were formerly made with spikes at both ends. A spike should not be used on the end of the pritch coming in contact with the beef, as the spike often punctures the hide. The end of the pritch, which is to rest upon the floor should have a spike inserted. The end which is to support the carcass, should have a ferrule of 1¹⁄₂-inch pipe, roughened like a saw tooth, which prevents it from slipping and at the same time does not injure the hide.
FIG. 38.—PRITCH TO SUPPORT ANIMAL WHEN TURNED ON BACK.
Foot Skinning.
—Foot skinning is the term applied to taking off the feet. In doing this, cut around the hoofs closely. Do not open the hide any higher than necessary to unjoint the feet. If the shank is uncovered more than necessary, it is likely to become dirty, and it is impossible to make it clean if the tissue becomes stained. Be careful to see that none of the cords from the front part of the shin-bone are left on the hide. The men skinning the front feet usually raise the gullet. In doing this they should be careful to open the neck straight from where the sticker left off, and guard against cutting the weasand. The gullet should not be raised too high with the knife when clearing, for if this is done, it allows the blood to run back on the ribs, producing the same effect as if the bullock had been stuck through.
Ripping and Leg Breaking.
—In this operation care should be exercised to see that the first cut is made exactly where the sticker left off, opening the breast and hide in the center the full length of the animal, in a straight line. Uncover the gam only sufficient to reach the joint, leaving the hide over balance of shank to protect it. In this way you get very much better shanks than if skinned too low. Cut closely to hoofs so all hide possible comes off around the feet, but that none of the cords are left on the hide.
FIG. 39.—VIEW SHOWING DOUBLE-BED KILLING FLOOR IN A MODERN SLAUGHTER HOUSE.