The USDA closely regulates slaughter for the betterment of society as a whole.  During the 19th century, slaughter was a dirty practice with no safeguards in place.  Ketchup was actually created during this period to mask the taste of rancid meat.  In order to sell your livestock products, your animals must be dispatched under the scrutiny of a USDA Inspector.

This does not apply to those individuals slaughtering for personal consumption.  The first step in being more self-sufficient is to learn the skills of slaughtering and butchering.