May 16, 2009

Dutch research on rising throughput in broiler processing

The Dutch Poultry Processing Industry has financed a research project studying the possibility of increasing the line speed in broiler processing plants from 6,000 to 7,500 b/h, or from 9,000 to 12,000 b/h, respectively, without or with a line splitter at the inspection deck.

The study focused on the effect of increased line speed on quality of veterinary inspection.

Veterinary inspectors were monitored during various sessions at each line speed, line speed and number of carcasses were registered; the effects of increased line speed on ergonomics and labour conditions of veterinary inspectors and other workers on the processing line, and; internal plant quality was tested at increased line speed.

The study found that increasing line speed does not interfere with results of veterinary inspection, and the types of mis-interpretation were comparable at different line speeds.

Protocols have to be clear for workers, and prior knowledge of broiler flocks quality offered for slaughter will enable adjustments to be made during processing, the study said.

The inspection deck should be in optimal condition, and risks can be reduced by taking additional measures even as both physical and mental workloads increase, the study said.

The study also found that increasing throughput rate did not have a detrimental effect on animal welfare or end-product quality.