How Millions of Horses Are Processed in Factories in China ? | farming documentary
If you are a long time viewer of Trending Farm, you must have seen at least once our farming documentary about the huge horse meat consumption in China, right? In today's episode, we will expand our research to find out how this country of billions of people maintains quality while processing such large quantities of horse meat? Let's explore Trending Farm right now. Don't forget to like and share the video to start your journey smoothly.
Through research in various farming documentaries, Trending Farm discovered that most horses used for meat are concentrated in the ethnic regions of Northwest and Northeast China. Local horse farms typically supply animals to nearby processing plants. As a result, horses are usually transported by medium to small trucks, with journeys lasting between 8 to 12 hours. Careful and safe transportation is essential to maintain the animals' welfare.
Upon arrival, the horses are given a rest period to stabilize, improving the quality of the meat. Afterward, they are humanely processed, with the hair, skin, and internal organs removed. Workers in the factory use torches to completely remove any remaining fluff and firm the skin for further processing.
Skilled workers then separate the bones from the meat, achieving up to 99% accuracy in meat extraction. The rump, front legs, and belly are quickly cut and handed off to other workers for additional division based on the intended use. Processing can take 1 to 3 hours, depending on the horse's size. The meat is then frozen, packaged, and labeled to ensure quality before reaching consumers.
The quality of fresh horse meat is largely a result of the meticulous breeding process and farming conditions in China. In regions like Xinjiang, horses are raised in vast, free range environments, where they graze on nutrient dense pastures and have ample space to roam. Selective breeding plays a crucial role in ensuring the health and quality of these horses. Farmers carefully choose breeding pairs based on genetics, aiming to enhance traits such as muscle development, stamina, and disease resistance. Human intervention is critical during the mating season, as farmers monitor the health of both the mares and stallions to ensure successful reproduction. In a farming documentary about Xinjiang, the breeding process is highlighted, showing how foals are nurtured from birth in these free range settings. Farmers provide hands on care during critical stages, overseeing the horses’ nutrition and overall well being, which helps create a strong, healthy lineage. This human guided approach ensures that the horses raised in these farms produce top tier meat.
Caring for foals on a farm requires careful attention to their nutrition, health and environment. For the first six months, foals usually suckle from their mother, receiving essential nutrients for growth. Farmers must ensure that foals have access to clean water and safe shelter, as they are susceptible to extreme weather conditions. Through this farming documentary, Trending Farm wants to convey the importance of proper vaccinations, such as tetanus and equine influenza, which can prevent common diseases. Regular veterinary visits, at least twice a year, are essential to monitor the foal's development and address any health problems early, ensuring a survival rate of over 90%. If you know of any other diseases that horses commonly encounter, please leave a comment below this farming documentary with us.
Unlike foals, adult horses' diets consist primarily of high quality roughage, such as hay or pasture grass, providing 1.5 to 2% of their body weight as dry matter each day. On farms in Inner Mongolia where horses are raised free range, each horse typically consumes 15 to 20 pounds of hay per day, supplemented with grain for extra energy. Along with this, horses need essential vitamins and minerals, including 20 to 25 grams of calcium and 10 to 12 grams of phosphorus per day, to maintain strong bones and overall health. In addition, regular hoof grinding, performed every 6 to 8 weeks, is equally important as it prevents lameness, improves balance, and ensures proper weight distribution, which directly supports the horse's overall health and performance. By carefully managing both diet and hoof care, farmers in Xinjiang ensure that horses stay healthy and productive.
Bathing and massaging horses on the farm offer numerous benefits, including improved circulation, muscle relaxation, and a reduction in stress. Chinese farmers typically bathe their horses once a week, using gentle water sprays and mild shampoos to cleanse the coat and skin, promoting healthy fur and preventing skin infections. After bathing, farmers often massage the horses, focusing on major muscle groups like the shoulders and back to relieve tension and improve blood flow. This practice not only keeps the horses clean and healthy but also enhances their physical performance, making them more agile and resilient for farm work or other activities.
Physical activity is crucial for horses kept on farms, as it promotes their overall health, well being, and performance. Horses require at least 1 to 2 hours of exercise daily to maintain their physical condition and mental stimulation. On farms, horses engage in various activities, such as riding, lunging, and turnout in pastures. In a study, it was found that horses allowed to roam freely for 6 to 8 hours a day exhibited lower stress levels and fewer behavioral issues compared to those confined to stalls. Additionally, participating in structured activities like jumping or barrel racing can enhance their cardiovascular fitness and muscle tone. Regular exercise helps prevent obesity, colic, and other health problems, ensuring that horses remain strong and active throughout their lives.
If you are curious about the special therapeutic exercises on horse farms, look for similar farming documentaries on Trending Farm to understand more. And don't forget to subscribe to the channel to update the latest trends in agriculture around the world with Trending Farm.
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