Abstract: A process of eviscerating an inverted animal carcass (10) inclined at 35.degree. to 40.degree. includes pushing the viscera (30) comprising both the thoracic viscera (31) and abdominal viscera (32) in a direction (B) from the cranial end (11) of the carcass (10) towards the caudal end (12) so as to pass between the hind legs (13) and fall from the carcass. Connecting tissues including the aorta (35) and external iliac arteries (36) are partially severed prior to pushing the viscera from the carcass so that the viscera detaches completely from the carcass after being pushed between the hind legs (13). The diaphragm (25) may be pierced at its periphery so that the force of the pushing operation causes the diaphragm to tear around its peripheral edges from the walls of the thoracic cavity. The pubic symphysis (60) is split before the pushing operation whereby the viscera (30) can pass both above and below and through the split in the pubic symphysis (60).

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).