The Tenth and final day 2.20.09

Today is the last day of my poultry rotation. I go through phases of being callus and doing well, and then crashing like last night/today. I didn't realize how emotionally spent I was--i am done. good thing it's the last day.

But what a day it was.

In the morning, we went to a chicken slaughter/processing facility. Bringing cameras into slaughter plants is a huge no-no (they are afraid animal rights people will freak out when they see the videos--which doesn't much make sense to me. if the slaughterhouses were to make their own video and publish it, then they could make sure everything is pristine, they could boast their welfare programs (this plant had a welfare program where an independent group came and audit-ed them on welfare standards), etc etc. it would put a good spin on it, people would get over their initial shock of seeing animals die and they would feel more comfortable with it. i think an open policy would be better for the industry...whatever..

so how is a chicken slaughtered....

the broiler chickens are trucked to teh slaugher plant on a truck like this (i know these are ducks, but it's the same setup)


A pallet of cages is unloaded with a machine (each pallet is like 10 layers high)...the pallet of cages is tipped and dumps the birds on to a conveyor belt.

The conveyor belt brings the chickens into the slaughter plant.

Works grab the chickens and put them into "shackles" like this...

this was the part i had a problem with--the workers were really rough when shackling the birds (who were conscious)...

Then the chickens are dipped (6-10inches) into a water bath that is electrified--> this "stuns" them (supposedly--i couldn't see as they went into the bath--only after they had come out in a few seconds--they appeared stunned, but their nerves made them shudder--it was weird)

Then the chickens go through a machine that chops off their heads. They have a guy after that machine with a knife to cut heads off any chickens that miss that machine (~1/20 need something cut off)

Then the chickens go in a scalder which loosens the feathers, then the feather picker (machine with ton of rubber fingers), then the carcasses get inspected by the usda and parts get cut off, or condemned or whatever. then the carcass gets processed.

The processing part is super extensive and requires a ton of machines and workers. i was amazed by how complicated it is. This plant was also very clean. which was good i guess.

It was an interesting experience over all and i wish i had pictures and videos to show you:( it's hard for people to learn how their food gets to the plate when those who supply it won't let you see. *sigh*