A method for processing beef includes the steps of preparing a beef carcass for butchering, reducing the carcass temperature by 20 degrees Fahrenheit, removing primal cuts from the carcass, cooling the primal cuts to 32-34 degrees Fahrenheit, and packaging the primal cuts. To prepare the beef carcass, the head of the cattle is removed and the carcass is eviscerated. The carcass is then cooled for approximately three to four hours to lower its temperature to 75-85 degrees in preparation of removing the primal cuts. After this, the carcass is arranged on a butchering device and the primal cuts are removed. The cuts are then packaged and placed in a cooler for approximately 60 minutes to reduce their temperature to 32-34 degrees Fahrenheit, at which time they are prepared for distribution. The entire beef processing method, from kill floor to packaging and cooling, will be complete within 24 hours.

An articulating, rotating poultry shackle. The shackle has a central member conventionally coupled to a picking line of the processing facility, a fixed hanging portion rigidly coupled to the central member, and an articulating hanging portion rotatably coupled to the fixed hanging portion. A mounting assembly coupled to the central member rotatably attaches the central member to the picking line such that at least three degrees of rotational freedom are provided to the articulating hanging portion of the shackle.

An automated immersive chilling system wherein the system may comprise a shackle and a track. The shackle may be configured to cooperatively attach to a product to be cooled. The track may be configured to move the shackle along a processing line wherein the processing line may comprise one or more curved channels retaining a reservoir of a cooling medium. The shackle may be configured to move the product within the reservoir to agitate the cooling medium. The shackle can be a rotating shackle that can be configured to move the product within the reservoir to agitate the cooling medium by rotating the shackle in the reservoir of the cooling medium. The shackle may be further configured to move the product within the reservoir to agitate the cooling medium by vibrating the shackle in the reservoir.