Abstract: A multi-angle wash system for cleaning carcass, wherein the wash system comprises a multi-angle fluid distribution unit; a rotating unit; a spray unit fluidly and operably coupled to the multi-angle fluid distribution unit; and a guiding unit operably coupled to the spray unit or the multi-angle fluid distribution unit. The multi-angle fluid distribution unit comprises a connecting element that is configured to operably couple with the spray unit such that the spray unit oscillates in correspondence to the rotation of the rotating unit. The spray unit comprises a guiding element and nozzle sprays. The guiding unit comprises a co-guiding element that has a reciprocate structure to the guiding element of the spray unit such that the guiding unit facilitates the oscillation of the spray unit in correspondence to the rotation of the rotating unit.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system including a portable device for euthanizing sick or infirm poultry. The device includes a chamber with a lid and a canister of compressed carbon dioxide that communicates with the interior of the chamber, and controls that include opening and closing the chamber's lid with a pneumatic cylinder, driven by the same source of compressed carbon dioxide used to euthanize the poultry. A sick or infirm bird in place in the chamber and with the chamber on its shelf on the frame of the present system and the start button on the controls is pressed. The lid is automatically closed by pressing the start button, whereupon the interior of the chamber fills with carbon dioxide and a timer is started so that, after approximately one minute, the lid opens so the dead bird may be removed from the flock.

Abstract: A multi-angle wash system for cleaning carcass, wherein the wash system comprises a multi-angle fluid distribution unit; a rotating unit; a spray unit fluidly and operably coupled to the multi-angle fluid distribution unit; and a guiding unit operably coupled to the spray unit or the multi-angle fluid distribution unit. The multi-angle fluid distribution unit comprises a connecting element that is configured to operably couple with the spray unit such that the spray unit oscillates in correspondence to the rotation of the rotating unit. The spray unit comprises a guiding element and nozzle sprays. The guiding unit comprises a co-guiding element that has a reciprocate structure to the guiding element of the spray unit such that the guiding unit facilitates the oscillation of the spray unit in correspondence to the rotation of the rotating unit.

Abstract: A system and method for sorting animal protein is provided. The method includes determining a desired characteristic of a cut of meat from an animal portion and associating the desired characteristic with an attribute of the animal portion. The attribute is ascertained and the animal portion is sorted based on the ascertained attribute. Like animal portions are grouped together for further processing as a group.

Abstract: A food source information transferring system for a livestock meat-packing facility and a related method are disclosed. In one embodiment, the food source information transferring system is capable of reading tag-identifying information in a hook RFID tag incorporated in a hook that can be hung on a hook machine. An animal carcass attached to the hook then undergoes meat chopping, cutting, and/or packing operations in the meat-packing facility. For each meat package produced, a data set associated with the tag-identifying information in the hook RFID tag can be paired with a data set associated with a meat package label attached to the meat package. This dynamic and robust data association between the hook RFID tag and the meat package label enables a food source information database in the food source information transferring system to preserve and trace detailed food source information at various levels of meat production and processing.

Abstract: An installation and method for halal killing poultry, such as chicken, turkey, duck and quail, includes the steps of: i) suspending the poultry with the poultry head down; ii) positioning the suspended poultry head via a V-shaped positioning element; and iii) killing the poultry near the suspended and positioned poultry head, optionally the poultry may be prestunned.

Abstract: A food source information transferring system for a livestock slaughterhouse and a related method are disclosed. In one embodiment, the food source information transferring system is capable of reading first tag-identifying information in a livestock RFID tag on a body of a carcass and second tag-identifying information in a hook RFID tag incorporated in a hook that can be hung on a hook machine. A food source information database can pair a first set of data associated with the livestock RFID tag with a second set of data associated with the hook RFID tag to preserve producer-level livestock information to meat-processing, distribution, and sales channels. This unique pairing of the first set of data associated with the livestock RFID tag and the second set of data associated with the hook RFID tag in the food source information database can result in seamless, robust, and lossless food source information management.

Abstract: A system and method is shown for processing animals, such as calves, from birth to slaughter by utilizing hot-fed rations during the feeding process. The system and method reduces or eliminates the need to use hormones and simultaneously reduces or eliminates the need to sterilize the meat products. Each calf or animal is weaned at a weaning station, fed at a feeding station, slaughtered at a slaughter station to provide a carcass that is substantially the same size as other carcasses for the same breed of animal processed in the system. The consistent carcass size enables manufacture of consistent carcasses which, in turn, facilitates providing substantially the same size meat cuts. This feature enables use of a standard-size packaging, such as a case-ready package, which may be shipped for display and purchase at a store.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a food processing device, for example but not exclusively, a gripper, a conveying hook, or a collection cup (1), having at least one processing surface portion of matt stainless steel having the following roughness characteristics:—a roughness value Ra, 0.2?Ra?1.2 (?m), and—a peak density value Rpc, 40<Rpc<140 (1/cm). It has been found that with devices treated in this manner, the application of vision technology is appreciably improved, so that much more reliable images are obtained. An example of this concerns observing yolk in albumen upon the breaking of eggs in egg breakers. Further, a particularly advantageous combination of usefulness is obtained, in this case for vision and cleanability.

Abstract: Provided is a seal for sealing the esophagus of a slaughtered animal such as a cow, the constituent parts of such a seal and a device and a method for sealing the esophagus of a slaughtered animal, such as a cow, by arranging such a seal. The seal comprises a cylindrical body which can be placed in the esophagus and is provided with a cylindrical peripheral wall with an end wall, a clamping element which can be displaced to a clamping position relative to the body for clamping oesophageal tissue between at least a part of the clamping element and the cylindrical body, thus fixing the seal in the esophagus and thereby sealing the esophagus, wherein the peripheral wall encloses a receiving space and is provided with an opening through which oesophageal tissue can be carried into the receiving space and is there clamped fixedly by the clamping element.

Abstract: A humane slaughter tool for dispatch of animals has a captive bolt accommodated within and coaxially of a barrel of the tool. The bolt is held in a cocked position against the biasing of a spring and is driven lengthwise of the barrel by a force applied thereto by the spring when the bolt is released. The tool further includes a manually operable cocking lever for returning the bolt to the cocked position. The cocking lever is pivotally mounted on the tool such that pivotal movement of the cocking lever is converted into a linear force to move the bolt against the biasing of the spring to the cocked position.

Abstract: A system and method is shown for processing animals, such as calves, from birth to slaughter by utilizing hot-fed rations during the feeding process. The system and method reduces or eliminates the need to use hormones and simultaneously reduces or eliminates the need to sterilize the meat products. Each calf or animal is weaned at a weaning station, fed at a feeding station, slaughtered at a slaughter station to provide a carcass that is substantially the same size as other carcasses for the same breed of animal processed in the system. The consistent carcass size enables manufacture of consistent carcasses which, in turn, facilitates providing substantially the same size meat cuts. This feature enables use of a standard-size packaging, such as a case-ready package, which may be shipped for display and purchase at a store.

Abstract: An installation for processing slaughtered animal parts of slaughtered animals and forming batches each containing one or more slaughtered animal parts includes a conveying system with a single conveying device or with a plurality of conveying devices, at least one slaughtered animal treatment device positioned along the path of the conveying device, a first weighing device for determining the weight of the one or more slaughtered animal parts carried by a product carrier, an installation control device including slaughtered animal part position determining device and memory device, and a batching device which is positioned along the path of the conveying device for forming batches each containing one or more slaughtered animal parts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and installation for halal killing poultry, such as chicken, turkey, duck and quail, comprising the steps of: i) suspending the poultry with the poultry head down; ii) positioning the suspended poultry head; and iii) killing the poultry near the suspended and positioned poultry head, optionally the poultry may be prestunned.

Abstract: Provided is a seal for sealing the oesophagus of a slaughtered animal such as a cow, the constituent parts of such a seal and a device and a method for sealing the oesophagus of a slaughtered animal, such as a cow, by arranging such a seal. The seal comprises a cylindrical body which can be placed in the oesophagus and is provided with a cylindrical peripheral wall with an end wall, a clamping element which can be displaced to a clamping position relative to the body for clamping oesophageal tissue between at least a part of the clamping element and the cylindrical body, thus fixing the seal in the oesophagus and thereby sealing the oesophagus, wherein the peripheral wall encloses a receiving space and is provided with an opening through which oesophageal tissue can be carried into the receiving space and is there clamped fixedly by the clamping element.

Abstract: A plier type of device can quickly and humanely kills wounded fowl. The device may be applied to either side of the temple of the fowl and a quick squeeze may crush the temple and quickly kill the wounded fowl. The device may include a handle end that may be squeezed together to cause a head gripper end to close. The head gripper end may include points, typically cone shaped, that may be pointed toward each other and may approach each other as the head gripper end closes.

Abstract: A plier type of device can quickly and humanely kills wounded fowl. The device may be applied to either side of the temple of the fowl and a quick squeeze may crush the temple and quickly kill the wounded fowl. The device may include a handle end that may be squeezed together to cause a head gripper end to close. The head gripper end may include points, typically cone shaped, that may be pointed toward each other and may approach each other as the head gripper end closes.

Abstract: Euthanasia of birds is carried out by locating a tool on the neck of the bird and crushing the neck between two co-operating members each having a front face for engaging the neck which is sufficiently blunt to prevent cutting of the skin of the neck during the crushing action so as to prevent escape of blood from the neck with the members being held separated at an end of the crushing action to prevent severing of the neck. The members can be driven together for example by hand pressure or on a frame by a foot lever or can be provided as a pair of counter-rotating wheels.

Abstract: A method of producing a plant biostimulant includes hydrolyzing bacterial cells to obtain a hydrolysate and formulating the hydrolysate as a plant biostimulant for foliar application or application as a soil adjuvant.

Abstract: A handheld cervical dislocator that will encircle the neck of poultry of most any size and dislocate the neck vertebrae from the skull immediately to terminate the life of culled poultry with minimum discomfort.

Abstract: An installation for processing slaughtered animal parts of slaughtered animals and forming batches each containing one or more slaughtered animal parts, which installation comprises: —a conveying system with a single conveying device or with a plurality of conveying devices, —at least one slaughtered animal treatment device positioned along the path of a conveying device, —a first weighing device for determining the weight of the one or more slaughtered animal parts carried by a product carrier, —an installation control device comprising: —slaughtered animal part position determining means which pertain to the conveying system and know substantially continuously the position of each slaughtered animal part in the conveying system, —memory means wherein, for each slaughtered animal part in the conveying system, at least one memory field is present for the weight, determined by the first weighing device, of the slaughtered animal part, and—a batching device which is positioned along the path of a conveying devi

Abstract: Euthanasia of birds is carried out by locating a tool on the neck of the bird and crushing the neck between two co-operating members each having a front face for engaging the neck which is sufficiently blunt to prevent cutting of the skin of the neck during the crushing action so as to prevent escape of blood from the neck with the members being held separated at an end of the crushing action to prevent severing of the neck. The members can be driven together for example by hand pressure or on a frame by a foot lever or can be provided as a pair of counter-rotating wheels.

Abstract: A system and method is shown for processing animals, such as calves, from birth to slaughter by utilizing hot-fed rations during the feeding process. The system and method reduces or eliminates the need to use hormones and simultaneously reduces or eliminates the need to sterilize the meat products. Each calf or animal is weaned at a weaning station, fed at a feeding station, slaughtered at a slaughter station to provide a carcass that is substantially the same size as other carcasses for the same breed of animal processed in the system. The consistent carcass size enables manufacture of consistent carcasses which, in turn, facilitates providing substantially the same size meat cuts. This feature enables use of a standard-size packaging, such as a case-ready package, which may be shipped for display and purchase at a store.

Abstract: A self-contained mobile abattoir configured for receiving and processing therein slaughtered livestock according to Inspection Agency regulatory standards. The mobile abattoir comprises a towable trailer unit. The interior of the trailer unit comprises a plurality of partitioned interconnected workspaces configured for hygenic performance of skinning and skin disposal, carcass cleaning and inspection, evisceration, viscera separation and inspection, butchering and meat inspection operations. A track rail system depending from the trailer ceiling is configured for moving carcasses about and through the interconnected workspaces. The trailer unit also comprises an enclosed equipment space configured for controllably producing and delivering to the interconnected workspaces at least electricity, compressed air, hot water, chilled water, and refrigeration, and is communicable with a power-generating apparatus.

Abstract: A system and method is shown for processing animals, such as calves, from birth to slaughter by utilizing hot-fed rations during the feeding process. The system and method reduces or eliminates the need to use hormones and simultaneously reduces or eliminates the need to sterilize the meat products. Each calf or animal is weaned at a weaning station, fed at a feeding station, slaughtered at a slaughter station to provide a carcass that is substantially the same size as other carcasses for the same breed of animal processed in the system. The consistent carcass size enables manufacture of consistent carcasses which, in turn, facilitates providing substantially the same size meat cuts. This feature enables use of a standard-size packaging, such as a case-ready package, which may be shipped for display and purchase at a store.

Abstract: A rabbit and poultry cervical vertebral dislocation device more simply put “neck breaker” comprises a cylindrical rod attached to an L-shaped base frame and mounting flange. The apparatus is mounted to a solid rigid structure by appropriate means. A fixed rod and base frame forming an inverted wedge to receive the animal's neck into the apparatus. With the animals head wedged between the rod and the base frame, the operator holds the animal by the back legs or feet and pulls upward and back thus separating the skull from the spine humanely and instantly stunning and killing the animal by causing irreparable damage to the brain stem, spinal cord, arteries and spine. The animal is stunned by the trauma and dies as a result of the brain being separated from the rest of the body and massive internal bleeding.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes various method, device, and system embodiments for meat processing. One such method embodiment includes obtaining animal data for an animal selected to have a solution introduced into its circulatory system in a rinsing process and determining an insertion location based on the animal data. This method embodiment also includes establishing a fluid conduit from a reservoir through the insertion location into the circulatory system of the selected animal by inserting a cannula in fluid communication with the reservoir through the insertion location. The method further includes activating flow of a solution from the reservoir through the fluid conduit to introduce the solution into the circulatory system of the animal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for processing animals. The method includes providing a carrier for holding a plurality of animals; providing a multi-task station; locating an animal on at least part of the carrier at the multi-task station; weighing the animal at the multi-task station; providing a volume of rinse solution for introduction into the circulatory system of the animal, wherein the volume of rinse solution is based on the weight of the animal; and initiating a rinse of the animal prior to weighing a subsequent animal at the multi-task station. The invention also provides an animal processing system and a multi-task station suitable for use in accordance with the method.

Abstract: A washer cabinet has a bottom floor, a top wall, and a pair of upstanding sidewalls to define a channel that extends the length of the cabinet. The channel has an entry end and an exit end. An overhead track suspends animal carcasses in alignment with the channel. A plurality of rotating appendages and a plurality of fluid nozzles are positioned within the cabinet. An animal carcass suspended from the overhead track is moved into the cabinet through the entry end. The carcass comes into contact with the rotating appendages and is washed by fluid emitted from the fluid nozzles as it traverses the length of the cabinet before exiting at the exit end.

Abstract: A poultry cart has one or more side doors that may be opened to expose substantially the entire side of the cart. The cart has no more than one interior vertical post on this side or has clear openings on this side across the width of each door. A process for killing poultry comprises steps of putting birds into a cart, moving the cart to a killing area, killing the birds, and dumping the birds out of the cart. The cart may be dumped by leaning it on its side such that doors on a side open and allow the birds to fall out.

Abstract: A washer cabinet has a bottom floor, a top wall, and a pair of upstanding sidewalls to define a channel that extends the length of the cabinet. The channel has an entry end and an exit end. An overhead track suspends animal carcasses in alignment with the channel. A plurality of rotating appendages and a plurality of fluid nozzles are positioned within the cabinet. An animal carcass suspended from the overhead track is moved into the cabinet through the entry end. The carcass comes into contact with the rotating appendages and is washed by fluid emitted from the fluid nozzles as it traverses the length of the cabinet before exiting at the exit end.

Abstract: A regional abattoir system is comprised of a permanent animal containment enclosure provided in a geographic region containing a plurality of animal suppliers. The permanent abattoir containment enclosure is adapted to house a predetermined number of animals to accustomize the animals to non-stressful environment prior to being slaughtered. The containment enclosure has an internal isolated slaughter room which has a door opening for communication with an external mobile abattoir. The mobile abattoir has a receiving station where a slaughtered animal is transferred to an overhead conveyor and processed into a skinless carcass for inspection and identification stamping prior to being refrigerated. This regional abattoir system serves small animal suppliers in sectors of a predetermined region whereby the animals are not transported large distances thereby minimizing stress and bruising of the animals and thereby producing better quality meat.

Abstract: A system and method is shown for processing animals, such as calves, from birth to slaughter by utilizing hot-fed rations during the feeding process. The system and method reduces or eliminates the need to use hormones and simultaneously reduces or eliminates the need to sterilize the meat products. Each calf or animal is weaned at a weaning station, fed at a feeding station, slaughtered at a slaughter station to provide a carcass that is substantially the same size as other carcasses for the same breed of animal processed in the system. The consistent carcass size enables manufacture of consistent carcasses which, in turn, facilitates providing substantially the same size meat cuts. This feature enables use of a standard-size packaging, such as a case-ready package, which may be shipped for display and purchase at a store.

Abstract: A system and method is shown for processing animals, such as calves, from birth to slaughter by utilizing hot-fed rations during the feeding process. The system and method reduces or eliminates the need to use hormones and simultaneously reduces or eliminates the need to sterilize the meat products. Each calf or animal is weaned at a weaning station, fed at a feeding station, slaughtered at a slaughter station to provide a carcass that is substantially the same size as other carcasses for the same breed of animal processed in the system. The consistent carcass size enables manufacture of consistent carcasses which, in turn, facilitates providing substantially the same size meat cuts. This feature enables use of a standard-size packaging, such as a case-ready package, which may be shipped for display and purchase at a store.

Abstract: A process which systematizes, informatizes and automates cattle slaughter and beef processing, in factories with integrated Cycles I and II; following actual anatomical parameters, predetermined for each industrial biotype, scanned before entering the knockout box, the self-programmed operative model, which starts the system and automates the sequence of the slaughter and processing process of the programmed beef industrial biotype, is activated or not to optimise the obtainment of equal and homogeneous programmed cuts. Collaterally it is applied in the farming sector: by transfer of the best bovine genetics of each breed, to unify, program and systematize standard production of the industrial biotype on scale and to unify and program uniform production of large-scale equal forage. The industrial biotype (excluding any other) is a whole male bovine, 11/12 months in age and 420 kg in pre-slaughter weight fed on exclusive equal forage.

Abstract: A livestock processing facility comprising a waste area, a processing area, a storage area and a packaging area. The processing area comprises at least two processing portions wherein each processing portion is positioned such that the processing area at least partially circumscribes the waste area. Waste from any processing portion of the processing area is directly fed through conduits without passing through any other area of the facility. A processing portion of the processing area includes a self-cleaning system to wash and sanitize the processing portion at regular intervals. The storage area includes separate modular coolers wherein the temperature of each cooler can be controlled independent of any other. Each area of the processing facility is positioned and designed to control the flow of air away from the storage and packaging areas toward the waste area.

Abstract: In a method and device for opening a blood vessel in the neck of a pre-positioned slaughter animal, a blood vessel is opened as a result of at least one cutting device being moved into the neck from one side of the neck towards the opposite side of the neck, the blood vessel being located in the path of the cutting device. The cutting device is an elongate blade which is moved in its longitudinal direction and is provided with a sharp, inclined front side. Before the blood vessel is opened, the distance between the trachea and the blood vessel is increased in an area of the opening.

Abstract: A method for detecting for the presence of a degenerative brain disease such as BSE or CJD. A measurement is made of the respiratory sinus arrhythmia of any mammal which is suspected of suffering from the degenerative brain disease. It is assumed that the mammal is suffering from such a disease if the measured RSA is outside a predetermined reference range. The reference range may be determined from data which forms the basis for the calculation of the RSA range by applying a suitable test for randomness.

Abstract: A method is described comprising stunning a ruminant at a packing plant, and thereafter measuring tissue characteristics of the ruminant using a tissue imaging and analysis device prior to processing the ruminant to a carcass. Working embodiments of the method have used an ultrasound tissue imaging and analysis device, although other analyses also can be performed. The ultrasound analysis can be performed by one operator, or plural operators. For example, if the device is an ultrasound tissue analysis device, the step of conveying may first comprise conveying the ruminant to a position adjacent a first operator. The first operator applies an ultrasound image enhancing fluid to the ruminant's hide, and a second operator places the ultrasound tissue analysis device adjacent the enhancing fluid and performs ultrasound tissue imaging and analysis on the ruminant.

Abstract: A mobile abattoir, particularly for slaughtering and processing sheep and members of the deer family. The abattoir is in the form of a towable, wheel-carried and covered vehicle which includes a machine room (11) that houses equipment for supplying electricity, water and heat distribution, a personnel room (50) and three processing stations, namely a first station (20) which includes lifting and transporting equipment for bringing a slaughtered animal to a first hanging and carcass processing position, a second station (30) which includes equipment for transferring the animal carcass from a hanging position in the first station to a lying position on a longitudinally movable processing bench (31), where the skin of the animal is removed from the carcass, equipment for connecting the carcass to a third station (40) which includes a movable transport part (15) and in which the carcass is finally processed while hanging from the path, whereafter the thus processed carcass is moved to a cooling space (60).

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the humane slaughter and efficient processing of ratites, for example, ostrich and emu, which are generally large, heavy, and hostile animals. The method envisions transporting ratites from station to station in succession within a facility via a rail system in order to process them on a mass scale. Initially, each ratite is rendered unconscious by an electrical discharge. The ratites are then hung in an inverted position on the rail system. The ratites are killed by lacerating the arteries in the neck and also the windpipe. The head of each ratite is removed and useful parts are extracted. Next, the ratites are de-feathered and skinned. The viscera of each ratite is removed. The gizzard, heart, and liver are extracted for further processing. Finally, the edible meat products are removed from each ratite and are processed for human use.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the humane slaughter and efficient processing of ostrich. The method envisions transporting ostrich from station to station within a facility via a rail system. First, an ostrich is rendered unconscious by an electrical discharge to the head or neck region. The ostrich is hung in an inverted position on the rail system. The ostrich is then killed by lacerating the arteries in the neck and also the windpipe. The head is removed and useful parts are extracted. Next, the ostrich is de-feathered, and then skinned. The viscera is removed from the ostrich. The gizzard, heart, and liver are extracted for further processing. Finally, the edible meat products are removed from the ostrich and are processed for human use.