It is important to exercise proper care of the animal prior to
slaughter, if you expect to obtain high quality meat. Pen the animal
in a clean, dry place the day before slaughtering. Restrict the animal
from feed 24 hours prior to slaughter, but provide access to water at
all times. The slaughter of hot, excited animals increases the risk of
sickness, injury, and darker meat; therefore, do not run the animal or
wrestle with it. Bruises and whip marks cause bloody spots which must
be trimmed out.