Abstract: The present invention comprises a method and apparatus for automatically separating the breast from the neck, shoulders, back and saddle of birds while the birds are moving along as overhead conveyor line (12). A mandrel (61) is inserted into the visceral cavity of each bird to rigidly support each bird, and causes the breast of each bird to protrude outwardly. An auger (73) is mounted adjacent the rear surface (62) of the mandrel (61) and engages the visceral cavity of each bird as the mandrel (61) is inserted into the visceral cavity of each bird. A tiltable holding plate (76) is pivoted upwardly as the mandrel (61) and auger (73) are fully inserted into each bird, and engages the neck of each bird in a clamping relationship with the mandrel (61) to thereby hold each bird in place during cutting function.