| 摘要 |
A method is disclosed for the humane slaughter and processing of ratites, including but not limited to, ostrich and emu, which are generally very large, heavy, and hostile animals, on a mass scale while preserving the quality of body parts during removal. The method envisions transporting the ratites from station to station within a facility via a rail system and cradle. The cradle is provided for holding the ratite during the processing of body parts and for permitting movement of the ratite through the various stations. The processing methodology of the preferred embodiment comprises the following steps. First, each ratite is rendered unconscious by an electrical discharge to the ratite body. The ratites are hung in an inverted position on the rail system. The ratites are then 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, each ratite is de-feathered and skinned so that the hide is not damaged during removal. Specifically, the hide and muscle tissue of each ratite are separated by injecting air into the ratite at various locations. This loosens the feathers and hide. The loosened feathers are then removed from the hide of the ratite. The ratite is then placed on the cradle whereby the hide can be carefully removed from the ratite utilizing off-pattern cuts so that the most valuable portions of the hide are preserved. Finally, the viscera, gizzard, heart, liver, and edible meat products are removed from the ratite and are processed for human use.
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