Which tissue is listed as an SRM specifically for cattle over 30 months?

• A. Tonsils
• B. Distal ileum
• C. Skull
• D. Brain

Answer: (C)

SRMs are tissues that can carry BSE prions and must be removed from beef to reduce risk. For cattle 30 months and older, the regulatory list includes tissues in the head region that are particularly high risk. The skull is identified as an SRM specifically for cattle over 30 months, because it encompasses the brain and related neural tissues in the head. Removing the skull helps ensure these high‑risk materials don’t enter the human food supply.

Tonsils and distal ileum are SRMs as well, but their designation isn’t tied to the 30‑month age threshold in the same explicit way in this context. The brain is also an SRM for older cattle, but the skull is the tissue most singled out as the age-specific SRM in this question, which is why it’s the best choice.