ABSTRACT
Introduction The processing plant is a highly coordinated system of mechanized operations that kill the birds, remove the inedible portions of the carcasses, and package/preserve the edible portions of the carcass for distribution to the consumer. The efficiency of processing is largely dependent on the uniformity of the birds, so that each machine can do a repeated movement with little or no adjustment between birds. Another important factor is the logistical coordination of carcass flow and production lines so that adequate birds are present to make maximum use of the personnel and equipment. These fixed costs are incurred by the plant regardless of the presence of birds, and therefore need to be paid by the production of poultry meat. This necessitates that every shackle be occupied to produce the maximum amount of product.
