Abstract: The invention relates to a method for at least stunning an animal for slaughter, comprising two processing steps of: a) reducing the consciousness of the animal for slaughter. using a gas, and b) administering to the animal for slaughter with reduced consciousness at least one electrical pulse in order to influence the heart function of the animal for slaughter. The invention also relates to an apparatus for at least stunning an animal for slaughter, comprising: a gas stunning space with means for gas feed, and electrical stunning means.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for stunning animals, such as pigs, for slaughter and may include a conveyor for conveying stunned animals for slaughter, at least one stunning device coupled to the conveyor, and a measuring and control device for detecting the number of animals stunned by the stunning device and actuating the stunning device based on the detected number of stunned animals. The invention also relates to a method for stunning animals for slaughter, such as pigs, that includes feeding stunned animals for slaughter to a conveyor at a rate based on the previous outfeed of the stunning device.

Abstract: A method for anaesthetizing animals for slaughter is provided using gas by transporting the animals for anaesthetizing through a gas-filled anaesthetizing space. The gas is introduced into the anaesthetizing space by a gas feed and gas is drawn out of the anaesthetizing space at a distance from the gas feed by a gas discharge. An apparatus for anaesthetizing livestock for slaughter using gas is provided with an anaesthetizing space having a supply opening and a discharge opening for gas.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for dividing a piece of meat containing at least one elongate bone structure, for example a spinal column, such that this elongate bone structure is also divided. The apparatus includes for this purpose a positioning assembly for positioning the piece of meat and a continuously movable knife for dividing a positioned piece of meat. The invention also relates to an apparatus for removing marrow from at least one piece of bone.

Abstract: A method and device for releasing intestines in a carcass opened on the abdominal side, in particular a sheep, pig or cattle carcass, having the steps of:placing at least one bracket member in an operative position between the peritoneum and the abdominal wall,moving the bracket member substantially parallel to the spinal column whereby the peritoneum with organs arranged therein is at least partially released from the abdominal wall, andcarrying the bracket member from the operative position out of the carcass.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for removing the layer of abdominal fat or leaf fat from a slaughtered animal or a part thereof, for instance a pig, of which the abdominal cavity has been opened beforehand, which device has a gripping element for gripping the layer of abdominal fat or leaf fat in addition to a pulling element for pulling loose the layer from the abdominal wall, which gripping element includes at least one suction aperture.In preference the pulling element includes a rotatably drivable winding mandrel which in provided with the at least one suction aperture, which winding mandrel is guided for winding up during rotary driving the layer of abdominal fat or leaf fat gripped by the suction aperture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for subjecting to a process a slaughtered and optionally pre-skinned animal, for instance livestock such as a horse, cattle, a pig, a sheep or a part thereof such that said process (also) takes place in a zone where an organ, for instance the preputium, is situated in the wall, for instance the abdominal wall, which device comprises processing means for performing said process. It is an object of the invention to offer provisions with which in simple manner an organ can be preserved from damage by the processing means. With a view hereto the device according to the invention is characterized by displacing means for displacing this organ out of the active zone of the processing means at least during performing of the process at the position of said organ.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for stunning an animal for slaughter, for instance a pig, which device includes: transporting means for transporting an animal for slaughter through the device; at least two head electrodes for placing against the head of the animal; at least one body electrode for placing against the head of the animal; a first electrical component connected to the head electrodes for carrying through the brain of the animal a first current pulse; and second electrical component connected to the body electrode for carrying through the body of the animal a second current pulse.

Abstract: A device for removing the anus of a slaughtered animal comprising:a carriage translatable in at least one direction by means of first translation means;a cutting device supported by the carriage and comprising a substantially cylindrical blade with a leading cutting edge, which device is drivable for rotation round its axis by means of drive means and drivable for axial translation by means of second translation means; anda sensor carried by the carriage for detecting contact between the cutting device and an animal for processing during operation of the first translation means, which sensor is connected in order to render inoperative the first translation means when said contact is detected and, if required, to activate the drive means for the said rotating drive and to activate the second translation means for forward axial translation of the cutting device over a chosen distance, followed by backward axial translation of the cutting device until this latter is situated out of contact with the slaughtered a