Exsanguination (also known colloquially as bleeding out) is the fatal process of total hypovolemia (blood loss). It is most commonly known as "bleeding to death." The word itself originated from Latin: 'ex' (out of) and 'sanguis' (blood). Therefore the word literally means 'out of blood'. Slaughter of animals in meat industry Exsanguination is used primarily in the meat industry, as a method of slaughter. In some places, before the incision is made, a device called a captive bolt is used. The device is placed against the skull of the animal, and penetrates to cause tissue destruction in the brain incapacitating the animal so that the procedure may take place. This procedure may not be used everywhere, and its use is forbidden for halal and kosher slaughter. While the animal is incapacitated, a knife is fully inserted through the skin just behind the point of the jaw and below the neck bones. From this p