What Is an Evisceration Machine?

An evisceration machine is a specialized piece of poultry processing equipment designed to automatically remove the viscera — that is, the internal organs — from slaughtered birds. It replaces or complements manual processing, significantly increasing line speed, improving hygiene, and reducing labor costs.

Evisceration machines are typically used in broiler, turkey, duck, and parent stock processing plants. They come in different configurations, ranging from semi-automated carousels to fully integrated lines with viscera separation, giblet harvesting, and automated washing systems.

Why Is Evisceration Important?

• Food safety – Proper removal of intestines and organs prevents contamination.
• Product quality – Clean, intact carcasses are critical for presentation and shelf life.
• Regulatory compliance – Most food safety authorities require strict hygienic standards in this stage of processing.

How Does an Evisceration Machine Work?

While the design may vary slightly by manufacturer and bird type, most evisceration machines follow a similar process:

1. Positioning the Bird

Birds arrive at the evisceration line suspended by their legs on overhead shackles. The machine aligns each carcass for consistent processing, ensuring access to the abdominal cavity.

2. Vent Cutting

A vent cutter removes the cloaca (vent) and loosens the surrounding area. This opening is necessary for safe access to the internal organs without rupturing the intestines.

3. Opening the Cavity

An opening machine cuts into the abdomen, creating an access point for the evisceration tool to extract the viscera.

4. Viscera Extraction

The core function: a spoon-like mechanism enters the cavity and pulls out the viscera pack (intestines, liver, gizzard, heart, etc.). In advanced systems like the Nuova Eviscerator, the entire viscera pack is removed in one smooth action and transferred to a separate viscera shackle.

5. Giblet Separation (Optional)

In integrated lines, giblet harvesters separate the edible parts (like liver, heart, and gizzard) from the rest of the offal for cleaning and further processing.

6. Washing and Inspection

After evisceration, inside/outside washers clean the carcass. Some lines include automatic inspection stations or vision systems to ensure completeness and quality.

Key Features of Modern Evisceration Machines

• High capacity – Can process up to 15,000 birds per hour depending on model.
• Consistent performance – Reduces damage to organs and carcasses.
• Hygienic design – Built for easy cleaning with stainless steel components.
• Modular integration – Can be connected with giblet processors, inspection units, and chilling systems.
• Data-driven controls – Many modern systems offer HMI interfaces and real-time performance monitoring.

Should You Invest in an Evisceration Machine?

For medium to large poultry plants, automated evisceration offers clear advantages:

• Faster line speeds
• Better hygiene and food safety
• Reduced labor costs
• Consistent product presentation

For smaller operations, semi-automatic systems or modular setups allow gradual scaling without compromising quality.

Final Thoughts

The evisceration machine is the backbone of modern poultry processing — a perfect balance of speed, hygiene, and precision. Whether you're upgrading an older line or building a new facility, investing in the right evisceration solution can dramatically improve your plant's efficiency and compliance.

If you're looking to buy, upgrade, or understand more about evisceration systems, feel free to contact us — we stock a wide range of used evisceration machines from leading global brands.