Poultry
�e system is manual, not automated like larger commercial abattoirs. �e equipment is simple, durable and easy to operate for moderately skilled personnel. �e average time taken for the processes involved when using our equipment is as follows:- 1. Removal of bird from cage – 15 seconds 2. Stunning of bird- 5 seconds 3. Bleeding of bird – 90 seconds 4. Scalding at correct temperature – 30 seconds 5. Drum plucking – 30 seconds 6. Evisceration – 60 seconds 7. Packaging – 30 seconds 8. A well-planned system is the key to personnel and system efficiency.
What are the bene ts of the system? An entry level abattoir allows the poultry farmer to slaughter birds on a regular basis. Stunning reduces bird stress and cutting the artery on the le�-hand side of the throat, just below the jaw allows the bird to be bled correctly. �us, bruising of esh is reduced signi cantly contributing to an improved visual appearance and shelf life of the nal product. �is is not so for birds that have their heads cut off and are not bled correctly.
Other advantages of such a system? 1. Machinery operates on single phase with low energy demand.
2. Planning / management of birds is simpli ed, ock rotation / turnaround time reduced.
3. A wider range of products, packaged to suit the target market requirements( E. g.. combo packs, whole birds, portioned pieces, heads & feet, red offal, gizzards)
4. Local produce is always available – sustaining community and small business.
5. Business growth can be gauged by market demand and hence increased according to demand.
6. Birds sold per Kg. as opposed to one price per bird. – improved business management and pro tability
7. �e slaughtering system is fast, easy and cheap to use, clean and easily maintained.
8. Slaughter facilities can be commercially offered to other small-scale poultry farmers as stand-alone business. 9. �e system can be easily and economically up-graded.
10. Broilers, culls, Cornish and ducks can all be slaughtered using the same abattoir system.
Correct ock rotation, basic management, biocontrol and cash ow is made easier when birds are moved on time. Additional production costs are reduced as birds are removed from the system efficiently. Frozen birds can be on offer at any time. A basic chest freezer allows constant availability at the source, which is a large plus for any rural community. Extended shelf life makes stock management easier. Money is circulated within the community, people save time and money, not having to travel long distances to obtain their meat.
Further reading – Poultry Abattoir handout. Dept. of Agriculture and Rural Development. Sub-Directorate: Veterinary Public Health.
Contact details:- Don Taylor admin @ rotamaster. co. za www. rotamaster. co. za www. farmersreviewafrica. com
FARMERS [ 31 ] REVIEW AFRICA
July- August 2017