Abstract: A boning process and apparatus for separating meat and bone, particularly ribs, in an animal carcass. The spine (12) is restrained relative to the ribs (16) and which are moved in an arc (A) so as to dislocate the joints (17) and to sever connective tissue. This exposes the ribs (16) at the dislocated joints (17) and the exposed ends (16a) are moved along a line (B or C) to progressively extend the exposed portions (16a) so as to separate a major part of each rib (16) from tissues (20) remaining attached to the spine (12). Cuts (21, 22) are formed in the tissues adjacent to the spine (12) and adjacent to the joint (17) to assist in exposing the ribs (16).