Ante-mortem inspection is the inspection of live animals prior to slaughter. True or False?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not specified
• D. Only for poultry

Answer: (A)

Ante-mortem inspection is the evaluation of live animals before slaughter to determine their health status, signs of disease or injury, and overall fitness for slaughter. This step helps ensure that only animals that are healthy and suitable for processing proceed to slaughter, and it allows inspectors or veterinarians to identify welfare concerns or illnesses that require attention, segregation, or rejection. It’s performed before slaughter because it relies on live observation of the animal’s condition, behavior, and signs of illness, which cannot be assessed after the animal is slaughtered. This is different from post-mortem inspection, which occurs after slaughter to check the carcass and meat for disease indicators, contamination, or other safety concerns. So the statement is true.