welll, humane would be a quick kill where the animal does not
   know it is coming. It's more humane (no sudden rush of fear) but
   it's also a practical matter: the sudden rush of adrenylin /
   hormones from the fear factor would change the blood composition
   and therefore the taste of the meat. Almost enough to make one
   vegetarian... but I like steak so I guess I have to have a cold
   spot in my soul about the cow... :) "