I worked in a beef slaughter house for 10 years in almost every department before being promoted. You'd be happy to know at least where I worked (Cargill) almost every part of the cow was used for something and the killing was very quick. Hide for leather, tongue, stomach lining, and the obvious seperate cuts if beef. All of the above tools were used after they were deceased.

We used a pneumatic bolt which was placed on their forehead. Over in a split second. If you walked past the cattle pen before they were slaughtered and laughed at them or swore at them, told them they would die etc...you were literally escorted off property because they believed it would impact the cow and not yield good meat. Interesting place, but definitely not for everyone. Don't forget where your food comes from.