Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
warmth. Nearby breeding grounds such as waste tips,
stagnant ponds and sewage works may be responsible for
the responsible for an increased population of flies. Plant
location and design are important factors in prevention
of fly infestation, for example, the manure bay must be
sited away from meat areas.
Scrupulous cleanliness, the avoidance of direct sun-
light in rooms, the use of air curtains with horizontal air
draughts, strip door curtains, ultraviolet light, electrocu-
tors, mesh screens, etc. are of value, especially cleanliness.
Insecticidal sprays should be used with discretion and
confined to non-meat sectors.
The design and location of equipment should be such
as to allow for ease and efficiency of cleaning and
disinfection.
Pest control
The ingress of birds, rats, mice and insects such as flies
and cockroaches can cause serious problems since in
addition to the dirt they create, they may carry
food-poisoning organisms.
Birds
, especially sparrows,
starlings, feral pigeons and gulls, inhabit areas where
food and nesting material are available. They feed on
meat scraps, dung, insects and animal feed.
In some food factories, sparrows have become an even
greater problem than mice, defying air curtains and
currents, netting, flashing lights, bird distress noises,
anti-perch gel, etc. While these measures may be useful
in some instances, avoidance depends on a high level of
hygiene.
Rats and mice
are also attracted by the presence of
food and may gain entrance from adjoining properties
or be transported into the plant in animal feed, etc. Mice
have been known to be introduced into an abattoir in
polystyrene insulation for use in chill rooms. Control is
effected by ensuring cleanliness, absence of food scraps
and the use of specialist pest control firms. A sketch plan
of the premises indicating numbered bait points should
be produced and a record of usage of each point noted, as
well as dates of inspection and any structural defects.
These should be inspected regularly, and if increased
activity is seen, further control measures must be taken.
Insects
are drawn into food premises mainly by the
presence of pre-digested food, such as excreta, and by
Small abattoir units
While larger meat plants are capable of greater
throughputs per man, they have high fixed overheads
which can be a problem for their operators. Under these
circumstances, the smaller establishment has advan-
tages, particularly in remote areas, by being sited close to
production regions, thereby cutting transport costs.
The concept of a
mobile slaughter facility
has been
developed in the United Kingdom by the Humane
Slaughter Association and several Scandinavian coun-
tries. Fitted with a stunning box, it includes hoists,
bleeding area, dressing cradles, chill room and storage
for by-products, detained and effluent material. The unit
operates from a home base and visits farms on request,
the farms providing basic facilities of water, electricity,
lairage pens, toilet and changing rooms. While the
advantages in animal welfare are obvious, the organisa-
tion of official controls must be given careful attention
(Fig. 3.3).
Static
lairage facility
Animals
in
Slaughterhall
dressing and
inspection
Hydraulic
slaughter
area
Carcase
chilling
Engine and
equipment
room
Fleece removal
and pig scald
area
Hygiene unit
(staff living facilities)
Dimensions
Main slaughterhall (including hydraulic extension)
17.0 m
7. 5m
9.0 m
Tr ailer unit (scald area + engine room)
Hygiene unit
Figure 3.3
General layout of the mobile slaughterhouse.
