METHOD AND AN APPARATUS FOR CUTTING FREE AND REMOVING THE RECTUM OF AN ANIMAL TO BE SLAUGHTERED, PREFERABLY PIGS

摘要

2103668 9213458 PCTABS00014 A method of cutting free and removing the rectum of an animal (1) to be slaughtered, whereby the rectum is cut free by means of a rotating tubular knife (34) being moved into the animal from the back and substantially coaxially with the centre line of the rectum while being guided by means of a pin inserted in the rectum. The rectum cut free is retained by the knife (34) and is pulled out of the animal in a substantially horizontal direction towards the ventral side (13) of the animal, while the ham (14) is simultaneously being cut through between the hind legs of the animal. The rectum is subsequently left hanging downwards over a side of a protecting shield (10) facing away from the animal to be slaughtered. In an apparatus for carrying out the above method, the rotating tubular knife (34) comprises a thread on the inner side, and the pin comprises an external thread, said threads being cut in opposite directions with the result that a reliable retaining of the rectum cut free is ensured during the cutting procedure.