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 fish processing system comprising a first fish guide having an entrance for receiving the fish. A striker coupled at one end of the first fish guide, the striker having a first holder that holds and releases the fish and is configured to apply a blow to the fish. A channel coupled at another end to the striker, the channel having an internal passage that rotates the fish substantially about a longitudinal axis of the channel. A bleeder coupled at an opposite end of the channel, the bleeder having a second holder that holds and releases the fish and is configured to sever a throat blood vessel and/or a gill arch of the fish, and a second fish guide coupled to the bleeder, the second fish guide includes an exit for delivering the processed fish.

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 fish harvester for the automatic and humane slaughter of fish comprises a fish accommodating space having an entrance for insertion of a fish and an exit for removal of a fish. The harvester includes means for positioning and retaining a fish, a slaughtering member for slaughtering a fish by contact with some portion of a fish; and driving means for driving said slaughtering member. The slaughter member preferably includes spikes for insertion into the brain of the fish. The harvester preferably automatically severs a major blood vessel in order to allow bleeding of said fish. The harvester preferably automatically gauges the size of the fish and positions the fish and the slaughtering member relative to each other, with reference to the size of the fish, in order to allow effective operation. A method of automatically slaughtering fish is also provided.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for bleeding a live fowl upon processing the fowl after severing a carotid artery of the fowl. According to the method, electric pulses are applied across the fowl promptly after the carotid artery of the fowl is severed. Preferably, the electric pulses are applied for 3 to 10 seconds upon an elapsed time of 1 to 10 seconds after the carotid artery of the fowl is severed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a secured sanitary catheter for administration of treatment solution into animals comprising a catheter body with a longitudinal bore and a sanitary vascular securing device attached to the catheter body. The catheter body has a proximal end and a distal end, with the longitudinal bore terminating in an opening at the distal end of the catheter body, for delivery of treatment solution into a vessel of an animal. The sanitary vascular securing device contains a plurality of slots for mechanically and frictionally engaging the vessel at two or more points. The present invention further relates to a method for using the secured sanitary catheter of the present invention.

Abstract: A device for automatic collection, intermediate storage and emptying of blood from slaughter animals, comprising an endless track (2), a number of containers (3) movable along the track and a filling station (4) and an emptying and washing station (5) which are arranged along the track. The containers are loosely arranged in relation to each other and to the track (2). As a result, the weighing (6) of a filled container can be carried out effectively immediately after the filling operation. Moreover, containers can temporarily be switched out from the normal path of progression along the track into and from a resting station.

Abstract: A sticking knife arrangement for withdrawing blood from slaughter animals is provided for a sticking knife which has a hollow handle. One of the end hollow handle is connectible to a hose. The other end has a blade. The arrangement includes a knife retainer for engaging the body of the animal, when the sticking knife has been stuck into the animal, and an operator connected to the knife retainer to move it between a sticking position and an engaging position. The knife retainer includes at least one arm which is pivotably mounted adjacent the handle and is formed with a hook-shaped end for engagement with the body of the animal, the arm extending, in the sticking position, substantially in parallel with the geometric axis of the sticking knife.

Abstract: A device for withdrawing blood from slaughter animals transported on a conveyor serially past a sticking station has a debleeding carousel (1) disposed at the sticking station and consisting of a body (2), a lower frame member (3) and an upper member frame (4), which frame members are synchronously rotatable on a vertical shaft (5) of the body, a number of collecting vessels (6) mounted on the lower frame member around the vertical shaft, a number of hollow knives (7) corresponding to the number of collecting vessels and suspendible around the vertical shaft each in a holder (9) on the upper frame member, and a hose (8) extending between each hollow knife and the associated collecting vessel for conducting blood from the hollow knife to the collecting vessel. The debleeding carousel is rotatable in such steps that the holders are displaced between a number of stopping positions around the vertical shaft, the distance between the stopping positions being equal to the distance between the holders.

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.

Abstract: An animal sticking apparatus for sticking an animal to be slaughtered comprises a sticking tool (10) having two rotary or oscillating cutting blades (16) and support means (21) mounting the sticking tool (10) for insertion and withdrawal movements. The cutting blades (16) perform a cutting operation upon insertion and advancement of the sticking tool (10) into the thoracic entrance of the chest cavity of the animal, the sticking (10) tool cutting tissues as it is advanced and enabling the stick wound to remain open upon withdrawal of the sticking tool to promote rapid exsanguination. The sticking tool (10) after insertion into the animal is pivoted about a remote axis (A) to sever blood vessels near to the animal heart ensuring massive and rapid blood flow.