Which animals are inspected before slaughter according to veterinary regulations?

The correct answer encompasses a wide range of animals, specifically cattle, sheep, swine, goats, horses, mules, and other equids, which are all subject to inspection before slaughter under veterinary regulations. This broad category is significant because it reflects the comprehensive health and safety standards established to ensure that meat products are safe for consumption.

Pre-slaughter inspections are crucial for identifying any signs of disease, ensuring proper handling, and implementing humane treatment practices. By inspecting these animals, veterinarians can help prevent the spread of zoonotic diseases that could affect both animal and human populations.

Regulatory standards exist to protect public health, and these regulations acknowledge that a variety of livestock species can enter the food supply. The inclusion of horses and mules, alongside more commonly farmed species, indicates a regulatory framework that recognizes ethical considerations as well as safety standards for an expansive range of livestock.

The other choices are either too narrow or omit significant species, thus not providing a complete picture of the animals typically inspected according to veterinary regulations before slaughter.