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Because of the range of causes, a downer cow might not be fit for human consumption. While broken legs, which are a common cause of downing, would have no effect on the health or taste of the meat, a neurological cause is both less common and more serious.

Different jurisdictions have different rules about what can be done with a downer cow. In some jurisdictions the cow may be slaughtered without question. In others, downer cattle may not be slaughtered even if the cause is a physical injury.

This agricultural term became more well known to the general public after the emergence of mad cow disease. Cows with advanced cases of mad cow disease become downers. However, most cows become downers by stepping into holes dug by prairie dogs or other rodents.