Apparatus and method for stunning poultry in an above-ground stunning chamber

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus (10) configured and adapted for gas stunning, with a stunning gas-containing gas mixture, live poultry placed in a container (11) intended for slaughter, the apparatus (10) comprising at least one stunning chamber (12) having at least two stunning zones (13, 14, 15) and a transport device (18) having at least one transport conveyor (19) configured and adapted to transport the containers (11) along at least one transport path, the at least one stunning zone (12) being arranged on the ground and the at least two stunning zones (13, 14, 15) being arranged on the ground. The stunning chamber (12) is configured and adapted to lie approximately horizontally one above the other, the gas mixture in the at least two stunning zones (13, 14, 15) having in each case different concentrations of stunning gas, the concentration of stunning gas in the gas mixture in the at least two stunning zones (13, 14, 15) increasing starting from the uppermost stunning zone (13) of the stunning zones to the lowermost stunning zone (15) of the stunning zones, and the conveying device (18) is configured and adapted to convey the container (11) along a stunning path in the stunning chamber (12) through the at least two stunning zones (13, 14, 15) on at least one conveying path path that is approximately horizontal and serpentine. The invention further relates to a corresponding method.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus configured and adapted for gas stunning, with a stunning gas-containing gas mixture, live poultry placed in a container intended for slaughter, the apparatus comprising at least one stunning chamber having at least two stunning zones, at least one input station for containers containing live poultry arranged on the inlet side of the stunning chamber, at least one discharge station for containers containing stunned poultry arranged on the outlet side of the stunning chamber, and a transport device with at least one transport conveyor configured and adapted to transport the containers from the input station through the stun chamber to the discharge station along at least one transport path.

[0002] The invention further relates to a method for gas stunning live poultry placed in a container intended for slaughter, with a gas mixture containing a stunning gas. [Background technology]

[0003] Devices and methods for stunning poultry with gas have been known in the prior art for many years and are used in particular for animal-friendly, preferably low-stress, pre-treatment intended for slaughter. Such devices and methods use, for example, carbon dioxide as the stunning gas, which is administered to poultry in lethal and / or stunning concentrations. Stunning therefore refers both to a sedated state of poultry in a deep but reversible loss of consciousness (the so-called "sleep stage") (Controlled Atmosphere Stunning = CAS), and to stunning leading to irreversible loss of consciousness, i.e., brain death (Controlled Atmosphere Killing = CAK). The degree of loss of consciousness depends on the concentration of the stunning gas in the gas mixture and / or the duration of exposure to the stunning gas-containing gas mixture. This is why stunning is carried out in stages where the concentration of the stunning gas in the gas mixture is variable, in particular increasing. Essentially, before slaughter, poultry must be brought to a deep state of loss of consciousness leading to brain death in accordance with individual animal welfare directives. However, the time interval between loss of consciousness, particularly when brain death has occurred, and slaughter, i.e., slitting the throat or decapitation, usually accompanied by incision of the blood vessels located on the side of the neck, must be kept to a minimum so that at the time of slaughter the heart still has residual function to support the exsanguination process after slitting the throat or decapitation.

[0004] Stunning of poultry, particularly broilers, but also ducks, geese, turkeys, etc., is carried out in several stages to comply with animal welfare directives. In the case of progressive stunning, the device has at least two stunning zones in which the poultry are exposed to a gas mixture with various stunning gas concentrations. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is mentioned as a stunning gas merely by way of example. However, other approved stunning gases may also be used as components of the gas mixture. According to Council Regulation (EC) 1099 / 2009, poultry must be completely unconscious before being exposed to a stunning gas with a gas concentration of more than 40% in the gas mixture. Only when poultry are safely and completely unconscious can they be exposed to a gas mixture with a stunning gas ratio of more than 40% in the gas mixture, which can result in deep and prolonged unconsciousness (referred to as stunning) until brain death of the poultry (referred to as slaughter). Preferably, therefore, the device according to the invention also comprises at least two stunning zones, one of which has a proportion of stunning gas in the gas mixture of less than 40% and at least one further stunning zone of which has a proportion of stunning gas in the gas mixture of more than 40%.

[0005] Numerous devices and methods are known for transporting poultry through a stunning chamber, for example, on a transport conveyor or by an overhead conveyor. Furthermore, various devices and methods are known for guiding poultry in containers through a stunning chamber. WO 99 / 60861 discloses a method and apparatus for generating and maintaining a gas mixture in one or more stages, as well as the use of equipment for stunning poultry. These stages may be provided by areas within a facility, such as a stunning tunnel or other suitable equipment. The gas mixture consists of carbon dioxide gas (CO2) and oxygen (O2), and possibly some air. Such methods and apparatus require limited flexibility and large amounts of space, as the animals are passed successively through existing stages with different gas concentrations. Furthermore, the inclined stunning tunnel presents challenges for setting and maintaining accurate gas concentrations along the path of the stunned animals.

[0006] WO 2004 / 64528 shows a method and system for stunning birds to be slaughtered with gas, in which stunning of the birds with gas is carried out after removal from the transport crate, the birds being continuously transported by a conveyor through a stunning chamber, the effectiveness of the gas for stunning the birds being adjustable by shortening or lengthening the transport time and / or the transport path of the birds on the conveyor through the stunning chamber. In this case, the stunning chamber is configured as a pit, and the animals to be stunned are transported through the stunning chamber, and thus individually on an inclined conveyor, through individual gas concentrations. The change in the transport path is achieved by a telescopic conveyor, which on the one hand is cost-, space- and maintenance-intensive, and on the other hand offers only low flexibility in the design of the stunning path.

[0007] WO 2014 / 184770 discloses a method and apparatus for stunning poultry. Stunning gas is supplied to a closed chamber in which the poultry are transported through a number of successive environments between an inlet, where the concentration of stunning gas is minimal, and an outlet, where the concentration of stunning gas is maximal. The concentration of stunning gas increases from each environment to the next, first at a minimal rate and then at a higher rate, until it reaches a maximum concentration. The closed chamber represents an above-ground stunning tunnel through which the poultry are transported in a stepped manner downwards within the cage and stunned in the process.

[0008] WO 2015 / 156668 relates to an apparatus and method for stunning poultry using an elongated stunning space having a poultry inlet opening and a poultry outlet opening, the elongated stunning space being divided into at least two adjacent sections, a controlled stunning gas supply adjacent the elongated stunning space, a conveyor leading into the elongated stunning space and providing a poultry transport path, and at least one side of the elongated stunning space being connected to a transition section.

[0009] However, all known devices and methods have the same drawback: stunning birds requires a large amount of space, and therefore only a limited number of birds can be stunned in a single device. Poultry processing facilities have a preset throughput of birds per minute, and the supply of birds must meet this preset throughput. The goal of a poultry processing facility is to process a continuous flow of birds and obtain a predictable and consistent yield. In recent years, devices for further processing poultry have been developed to allow for higher throughputs in the device. In the case of upstream stunning, this necessitates an increase in throughput to achieve the desired target value for the overall processing. Currently, an increase in stunning capacity is mainly achieved by using larger stunning devices or by increasing the number of stunning devices within a facility, which is not suitable for many facilities due to the high space requirements and investment costs.

[0010] Furthermore, known devices and methods do not provide flexibility in adjusting the time it takes for poultry to pass through the device. However, because poultry are natural products that often experience considerable variation in anatomy, size, weight, etc., poultry may require widely varying gas delivery times and concentrations to ensure the most animal-friendly and efficient processing. Most poultry processing facilities process poultry of various sizes and weights, resulting in different numbers of poultry in a given transport bin. Furthermore, different numbers of poultry are placed in the transport bin during high temperatures and temperature and humidity differences between summer and winter. Furthermore, poultry flocks may be exposed to various stress factors during rearing, which may require an increase or decrease in gas delivery time and / or concentration. Furthermore, specific gas delivery times and concentrations are required for different species of poultry. Therefore, in practice, it often occurs that the optimal gas delivery element for a poultry is not selected.

[0011] A further drawback with currently known stunning devices that are suitable for passing bins or crates (containers, boxes, drawers, etc.) is that the speed of subsequent further processing stations (e.g. slaughter lines) cannot be adapted to the variable discharge of stunned birds, insofar as this results in different exposure times for the birds within the stunning device. To guarantee a constant supply of stunned birds, buffer areas are required within the facility, which should be avoided for cost and quality reasons. Slaughter should follow stunning as soon as possible to avoid loss of quality.

[0012] Furthermore, stunning of poultry must proceed with a specific gas delivery time and concentration. Altering the gas delivery duration or gas concentration can result in overstunning, insufficient stunning, inaccurate stunning (feather removal problems), and damage to the birds (broken feathers). Avoiding overstunning of poultry at the wrong time is essential to minimize the time gap between the end of stunning and bleeding. Poultry exposed to the gas mixture for a longer period of time before being slaughtered for bleeding, or remaining stunned or brain-dead for a longer period of time, usually lacks residual cardiac function, making bleeding more difficult after slaughter or decapitation. Thus, waste is generated or secondary manual operations are required, leading to higher processing costs or reduced quality. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0013] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 99 / 60861 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2004 / 64528 [Patent Document 3] International Publication No. 2014 / 184770 [Patent Document 4] International Publication No. 2015 / 156668 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0014] The object of the present invention is therefore to propose a simple and compact device which ensures uniform and reliable stunning of all birds and also ensures demand-based transport of containers containing birds intended for slaughter by the device. The object is also to propose a corresponding method. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] This object is achieved by the above-mentioned apparatus, in which at least one stunning chamber is arranged on the ground, at least two stunning zones are arranged and adapted to be positioned one above the other in a substantially horizontal manner, the gas mixture in the at least two stunning zones has in each case different concentrations of stunning gas, the concentration of stunning gas in the gas mixture in the at least two stunning zones increasing from the uppermost stunned zone to the lowermost stunned zone, and the transport device is arranged and adapted to transport containers along a stun path in the stun chamber through the at least two stunning zones on at least one substantially horizontal serpentine transport path. The apparatus according to the invention ensures a reduced space requirement for such an apparatus, which allows for an increased throughput in poultry establishments, and the horizontal serpentine stun path makes it possible to achieve a higher throughput of poultry. At the same time, the stun path can be varied in various ways with the apparatus, i.e., it can be extended or shortened. Due to the serpentine design of the at least two stunning zones located one above the other, the process path can be extended while maintaining a constant surface. Alternatively, such stunning zones are understood to be multiple levels or stages, each containing a stunning path or process path to be passed through. In the case of stunning zones arranged and fitted horizontally one above the other, there are clear boundaries between the gas mixtures contained in the stunning zones, so that, particularly preferably, each stunning zone is filled with a defined concentration of stunning gas. Preferably, the containers can be transported by a conveying device in a variable manner, preferably with respect to speed, through each stunning zone. Due to the correspondingly set passage speed, the exposure time and the amount of stunning gas to be administered to the birds can be set independently for each stunning zone. Different stunning gas concentrations in the gas mixture of the at least two stunning zones improve stunning efficiency, since during operation, the processing time parameters at the various stages of the stunning process can be adjusted.During the serpentine stunning path, the device according to the invention exposes the poultry in the containers to the desired concentration of varying stunning gas in the gas mixture for a predetermined time period in the corresponding stunning zone, from the supply to the stunning chamber in the region of the loading station to the discharge in the region of the discharge station, before being transported, for example, to a subsequent slaughtering process. When referring to the transport of containers within the meaning of the present invention, it is expressly meant to refer to a plurality of containers arranged one above the other, preferably stacked. The container may therefore be a single container or a plurality of containers arranged one above the other. The device according to the present invention may more preferably be configured and adapted so that the containers are transported through the stunning chamber in several rows next to each other, in order to increase capacity.

[0016] The close spatial proximity of the stunning zones arranged horizontally one above the other results in simplified exchange between the respective stunning zones. In a preferred embodiment, gas exchange between the upper and lower stunning zones can be performed, for example, to increase or decrease the gas concentration of the stunning gas in the corresponding stunning zone. Alternatively, exchange of containers in the upper or lower stunning zones can preferably be performed, for example, to increase or decrease the exposure time of the containers containing the poultry in each stunning zone. Therefore, the configuration of upper and lower stunning zones allows simple access between the stunning zones, so that various conditions can be quickly adjusted. Furthermore, in this way, the poultry can be more quickly discharged from the stun chamber after stunning, because the entire apparatus occupies a small amount of space and reduces the transport path. Furthermore, the serpentine configuration, which can alternatively be called an S-shaped configuration, makes it possible to take advantage of the natural difference in density of a gas mixture with different concentrations of stunning gas, for example, carbon dioxide, and to supply a gas mixture with different concentrations of stunning gas in each of the upper and lower stunning zones.

[0017] In particular, the device is configured and adapted to stun chickens with gas. However, the present invention also relates to poultry of the same species intended for slaughter. The container is configured and adapted to receive one or more poultry and is essentially free-form, but may, for example, be provided with an opening or at least one cover element to at least partially close the container. For example, in the case of a container, the opening may be provided by, for example, a ventilation opening in the side wall area or a mesh structure. It is to be understood that such containers may alternatively be called crates, cases, boxes, drawers, cages, receptacles, chests, etc., and are therefore also within the meaning of the present invention. A stunning chamber is broadly defined as any open or closed frame, enclosure, tank, tunnel, room, space, etc., and such stunning chambers are preferably closed. The stunning gas used is preferably heavier than ambient air, so that when a gas mixture containing the stunning gas is provided in one of the upper stunning zones, it sinks to the bottom of the stun chamber, so that the highest concentration of the stunning gas is present at the bottom. However, the present invention is not limited to the use of stunning gases or gas mixtures that are heavier than ambient air. Instead, stunning gases or stunning gas mixtures that are lighter than ambient air or whose density corresponds to that of ambient air may also be used, although in these cases adjustments to the transport of the containers may be necessary, for example, by changing the transport direction and / or transport speed. A mixed gas in the sense of the present invention refers to both a mixed gas and even a pure gas that is supplied into the stunning chamber or stunning area, for example, simply based on the pressure prevailing in the storage tank. Preferably, however, carbon dioxide is used as the stunning gas, as it is cheap, safe and available.

[0018] The horizontal arrangement of the stunning zones one above the other allows for high capacity on a small surface area, since the various transport paths of the stunning zones are arranged on the same surface. "Substantially vertically horizontal" for the purposes of the present invention means that the stunning zones are horizontal or nearly horizontal, i.e., with a deviation of at most ±15°, preferably at most ±5°. At least two stunning zones placed nearly horizontally one above the other allow for a compact design of the device and are configured and adapted for the most comfortable transport of containers or birds along the stun paths within the stunning zones. At least one stunning zone is preferably oriented parallel to the base or floor of the stun chamber. The vertical arrangement allows for multiple use of the surface area and reduces the area constructed on the poultry processing facility. The above-ground arrangement also allows for a cost-effective construction, since underground pits or the like are not required, which require increased maintenance and pose significant potential hazards to the operating staff. Since carbon dioxide has a higher density than air, the upper and lower stunning zones provide an easy way to achieve a high concentration of carbon dioxide in the lowest stunning zone of the stunning zones where the birds are stunning, since no technically demanding structures are required to achieve the appropriate gas concentration for stunning purposes. "Above ground" means, for the purposes of the present invention, that at least a large part of the stunning chamber is located above ground, i.e., on the ground or on the floor of the stunner's premises, but this does not exclude the stunner chamber being at least slightly below ground. The above ground and simultaneously upper and lower arrangements allow for a simple and reliable provision of a modular, scalable and demand-oriented device, which, on the one hand, allows for the addition of further stunning zones or sections, and, on the other hand, does not have to use the entire volume of the device, so that the container containing the birds to be stunned can be guided through only one section or a smaller number of existing stun zones, depending on the desired stunning or the species or size of the birds.

[0019] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the conveying device, the loading station and / or the unloading station comprise at least one lifting device for transporting the containers approximately vertically. "Approximately vertical" for the purposes of the present invention means vertical or approximately vertical, i.e. with a deviation of at most ±15°, preferably at most ±5°. The lifting device preferably extends approximately perpendicular to at least one adjacent stunning zone. On the one hand, the at least one lifting device allows the containers to be transported into the stunning chamber or at least one stunning zone, and, on the other hand, allows the containers to be removed from the at least one stunning chamber or at least one stunning zone. The lifting devices may be present in a single apparatus in various designs and operating modes. However, the lifting device is configured and adapted to transport at least the containers vertically.

[0020] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the transport device comprises a plurality of transport conveyors, the number of which corresponds at least to the number of stunning zones provided. In this way, depending on the transport path or bird used, it is possible to transport the containers individually, allowing for flexible transport speeds or transport paths to be configured and adapted in each of the stunning zones. At least one individual stunning zone preferably has a plurality of transport conveyors. For example, by having a plurality of transport conveyors within a single stunning zone, an existing transport conveyor can be configured and adapted for different speeds or gaps of specific containers.

[0021] An advantageous development is characterized in that each of the transport conveyors is configured and adapted to transport the containers approximately horizontally along a transport path that passes through at least a portion of one of the stunning zones. "Approximately horizontal transport of the containers" for the purposes of the present invention means horizontal or approximately horizontal, i.e. with a deviation of at most ±15°, preferably at most ±5°. This ensures that the poultry are transported as naturally as possible. Furthermore, horizontal transport allows for a design with a small surface area and ensures a compact construction. The transport conveyors of the transport device can be present in a single unit in various embodiments. However, the transport conveyors are configured and adapted to transport the containers at least along the transport path through at least one section of the stunning zone. Preferably, at least one of the transport conveyors is configured and adapted to transport the containers in at least two transport directions. More preferably, at least one of the transport conveyors is configured and adapted to transport the containers in four transport directions.

[0022] An advantageous embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that at least one lifting device is provided in the path of the stunning path between at least two stunning zones, the at least two stunning zones being placed one above the other and having at least one conveying path configured and adapted for vertically transporting containers between the at least two stunning zones, the conveying being able to bypass at least one of the conveying paths. The bypass allows for a possible shortening of the stunning path, so that, on the one hand, the stunning path can be adapted to the gas concentration of the prevailing stunning gas, and, on the other hand, to the birds transported in the containers, e.g., in terms of number, size, weight, species, etc. In other words, the at least two transport conveyors and the conveying paths of the at least two stunning zones, together with the at least one lifting device, are configured and adapted to one another in order to vertically transport containers over at least a part of the stunning path within the stun chamber, bypassing at least one conveying path of one of the transport conveyors. More preferably, the vertical transport is able to transport one or more containers containing poultry out. Overall, the distance traversed within the stunning chamber can be varied to allow for a reduction or increase in distance.

[0023] According to a further preferred embodiment, the stunning path provided for transporting the containers can be shortened when at least one of the transport paths is bypassed by a lifting device. This further increases the applicability of such an apparatus, since different size configurations or numbers of birds can thus be variably adjusted to the required stunning with the container. In this way, the stunning path can be adjusted depending on the specific birds in the container, for example, depending on their size, number, and / or stress level, to transport the birds through the "sweet spot" in the shortest possible time. Depending on the concentration of the subsequent stunning gas, this stunning path allows the birds to be stunned or irreversibly rendered unconscious and transported through the subsequent stunning zone without causing them any distress. In this context, the "sweet spot" preferably refers to a carbon dioxide concentration starting from 0% to 5% up to 40%, so that the stage at which the birds fall asleep can be generally configured and adapted. Smaller birds or fewer birds per container reach the so-called "sweet spot" faster than larger birds or more birds per container.

[0024] A further advantageous embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the lifting device is configured and adapted to reduce the distance of one of the stunning zones when a container is transported by the lifting device. Different flocks of birds and different sizes of birds may be at different stages of physical agility and activity, which are affected by environmental factors such as stress, distress, handling, and climate. Some flocks of birds are fairly calm, while others are quite stressed and active. This results in different processing times for the sleep / stunning phase. The different processing times can be compensated for by using one of the bypass paths configured and adapted by the lifting device. Such detours are also known under the concept of "bypass." In this way, the processing time can be reduced at a constant transport speed. Furthermore, some flocks of birds require longer times for the sleep / stunning phase. Preferably, when the containers are transported by the lifting device, the distance of the corresponding stunning zone can be extended by feeding the containers again from the lower stunning zone to the upper stunning zone by the lifting device, in this way the processing time can be extended at a constant transport speed.

[0025] A preferred development of the invention is characterized in that the conveying device and / or the at least one lifting device are adjustable to the birds, allowing a variable conveying speed and / or a variable stunning path to be set depending on the number and / or weight of the birds in the container, thereby enabling number- and / or weight-specific stunning of the birds. The term "weight" also includes in particular the size of the birds. More preferably, the conveying device and / or the at least one lifting device may be configured and adapted to allow species-specific adjustment. The adjustable stunning path by the conveying device and / or the at least one lifting device improves a specific stunning of the birds present based on their actual appearance. As a rule, larger or heavier birds require a higher gas concentration or a longer exposure to the stunning gas, such birds are preferably conveyed more slowly by the conveying device and / or a longer stunning path by the lifting device is selected. In the case of smaller or lighter poultry, in further preferred embodiments it is possible to configure and adapt the transport device to a faster transport and / or to configure a shorter stunning path, for example by bypassing at least part of the stunning path by means of at least one lifting device.

[0026] A convenient embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the stunning chamber is configured and adapted as a closed stunning tunnel, with the stunning path extending in a substantially horizontal, serpentine manner and at least two stun zones arranged one above the other in a substantially horizontal, serpentine manner. For this purpose, the stunning tunnel is preferably tubular or S-shaped, with the individual stun zones separated from each other. The closed stunning tunnel is not limited to a round cross section; rather, for example, a rectangular diameter is also possible. The stunning tunnel represents a closed area, and due to its serpentine configuration, it requires little spatial expansion in length. At the same time, the natural properties of the stunning gas can be utilized while the stunning gas is dispersed throughout the chamber for the various stun zones. For example, according to the natural properties of stunning gas, heavier stunning gas is present in the lower stun zone. Preferably, the stunning chamber of the stunning tunnel can be divided into three stun zones with low, medium, and high concentrations of stunning gas. In a further preferred embodiment, the natural density of carbon dioxide is used to provide a lower gas concentration in higher regions of the apparatus, where, for example, the loading and / or unloading stations are located, thereby providing a safer working environment and reducing the risk of injury.

[0027] An advantageous development is characterized in that the stunning chamber comprises a stunning compartment with at least two stunning zones, the containers in each case being transportable substantially horizontally through the at least two stunning zones by at least one of the transport conveyors, and at least one lifting device being configured and adapted for vertical transport between the at least two transport conveyors. This allows the transport of containers by the device, representing various stunning paths, each of which is configured and adapted depending on the poultry transported in the containers. The stunning compartments can preferably comprise an opening between the at least two stunning zones, allowing stunning gas to at least partially pass between adjacent stunning zones. In a further embodiment, the stunning zones can be separated from one another in such a way that openings are formed only in the region of the lifting device, and on the one hand the containers are transported through these openings, and on the other hand gas exchange can be configured via the openings.

[0028] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one loading station and / or at least one unloading station comprises at least one gas barrier, which is configured and adapted to substantially keep the mixed gas within the stunning chamber and / or substantially prevent ambient gas from entering the stunning chamber. In this way, an option is provided to prevent unwanted gas leakage from the stunning chamber or to protect against unwanted gas ingress into the stunning chamber. The at least one gas barrier prevents possible health risks from leaking stunning gas. The gas barrier may be configured and adapted, for example, by a curtain, an airlock device, or by structural measures forming an airlock. Preferably, the container loading station and / or unloading station may simply be closed with an airlock or the like.

[0029] In a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the stunning chamber comprises at least one gas supply device configured and adapted to supply a gas and / or gas mixture into the stunning chamber. The at least one gas supply device preferably supplies stunning gas at a concentration of stunning gas sufficient to stun the poultry. Preferably, a plurality of gas supply devices are located inside the stunning chamber, the stunning chamber being configured and adapted to supply stunning gas and / or air or oxygen. In this way, the gas level filling the stunning chamber can be instantly adjusted by supplying the desired gas and / or gas mixture. In a further preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises a degassing device configured and adapted to at least partially exhaust the gas and / or gas mixture contained in the stun chamber. Such a degassing device is configured and adapted, for example, as a fan or an air intake device.

[0030] A further advantageous embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that stunning gas or a stunning gas-containing gas mixture can be supplied into the lowest stunning zone of the at least two stunning zones by at least one of the at least one gas supply device, and a gas mixture having a first concentration of stunning gas is configured and adapted in the lowest stunning zone. In a preferred embodiment, the concentration of the gas mixture in the lowest stunning zone of the stunning zone contains at least 40% stunning gas, particularly preferably at least 50% stunning gas.

[0031] An advantageous development of the invention is characterized in that oxygen and / or an oxygen-containing gas mixture can be supplied into at least one stunning zone by at least one of at least one gas supply device, thereby configuring and adapting an oxygen-containing gas mixture with a concentration of stunning gas. By means of at least one such gas supply device, it is possible to configure and adapt the concentration of stunning gas in one stunning zone and / or in the entire stunning zone. If the stunning gas concentration is too high, for example, oxygen can be added to adjust the stunning gas concentration in each stunning zone. In this way, the stunning gas content of the overall concentration can be reduced, which can result in adjustments for example for different species or sizes of poultry or for the number of poultry per container.

[0032] A further advantageous embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the stunning chamber comprises at least one gas flow device configured and adapted to provide a gas flow of at least one gas and / or gas mixture from the first stunning zone to another stunning zone, preferably from the lowest stunning zone to at least one of the upper stunning zones. This allows for an active supply of the gas contained in the stunning chamber, thus dispersing the gas flow throughout at least one stunning zone or the entire stunning zone. For the well-being of the birds, i.e., during the stunning process, which usually includes a euthanasia phase with a lower stunning gas concentration, it is important that the birds remain calm and without signs of stress. If stress occurs during the stunning process, the birds may begin to flap their wings, which can damage the meat and break their wings. If there is a sudden, gradual increase in gas concentration, the birds will react to this change. The gas flow device configures and adapts a constant but gradual increase in the concentration of stunning gas, preferably carbon dioxide, during stunning, so that the birds do not notice the increase in gas concentration. This increase in gas concentration is done without successive stages or intermediate compartments, e.g. by curtains, airlocks, etc., so as not to cause stress to the birds. The containers are moved by a conveying device towards a steadily increasing flow of higher gas concentration, and the birds do not notice this movement.

[0033] According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the gas flow device is configured and adapted to flow the stunning gas and / or the stunning gas-containing gas mixture into the stun chamber, preferably into the lowest stunning section, wherein the gas concentration of the stunning gas and / or the stunning gas-containing gas mixture gradually decreases along the serpentine stunning path, starting from a maximum gas concentration of the stunning gas. In other words, the gas flow device allows the stunning gas-containing gas mixture to be supplied in the serpentine configuration of the stunning section, wherein the gas concentration of the stunning gas gradually increases along the path of the container conveyance, starting from the loading station. The containers are preferably conveyed in the direction of higher gas concentration towards higher gas concentrations, so that the poultry contained in the containers are gradually exposed to increasing gas concentrations of the stunning gas, starting from a lower gas concentration. For example, the properties of carbon dioxide, which has a higher concentration than oxygen or air, can be used to achieve various gas concentrations. One method consists of supplying pure carbon dioxide at the nadir of the stunning chamber and controlling a constant decrease in carbon dioxide content up to the loading station, achieved by adding oxygen or ambient air at one or more points, in a preferred embodiment resulting in a CO curve ranging from 1.5% to 50% CO on the first pass from the inlet up to the "sweet spot" of unconsciousness (up to 40%). Higher concentrations of gas can then be supplied as needed to induce irreversible unconsciousness in the birds.

[0034] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that a gas flow of the gas and / or gas mixture can be circulated through the stunning tunnel, along a serpentine stunning path, from the lowest stunning zone to at least one of the upper stunning zones via at least one lifting device. The gas and / or gas mixture can thus be transported through multiple stunning zones over the course of the entire stunning chamber. For this purpose, the at least one lifting device preferably has at least one opening configured and adapted to allow the passage of the gas and / or gas mixture, at least as needed. Such an opening is more preferably configured and adapted to be sealable.

[0035] According to a further preferred embodiment, the device comprises a control unit and / or regulating unit by means of which the conveying speed of the or each conveyor, the use of at least one lifting device, and the composition of the gas mixture relative to the concentration of stunning gas in the gas mixture can be controlled / regulated in at least one stunning zone. For this purpose, the control and / or regulating unit preferably comprises at least one computer unit for configuring and adapting the control and / or regulating operations. The control and / or regulating unit is more preferably configured and adapted to carry out the control and / or regulation based on empirical data and / or information provided, for example based on the gas concentration or composition in the stunning zone. The number, size and / or species of poultry conveyed in the container are preferably taken into consideration for the control and / or regulation. Furthermore, the control and / or regulation can be carried out based on the concentration of stunning gas prevailing in the stunning chamber or in the stunning zone. More preferably, the control and / or regulating unit is configured and / or adapted so that the corresponding operations, i.e., adjustment of the stunning path, the conveying speed and / or the concentration of the stunning gas, are performed automatically. In a preferred embodiment, the gas supply device and / or the gas flow device are also configured and / or adapted to be controllable and / or adjustable by the control and / or regulating unit. The device or the control and / or regulating unit according to the invention is preferably configured and / or adapted to comprise a programmable logic controller (PLC). The PLC control system is particularly configured and / or adapted to control various interdependent parameters, such as the speed of the conveying device (conveyor), the number of poultry in each bin, the speed of subsequent processes (e.g., slaughter line), the effective stunning time, the concentration of gas in each stunning zone, monitoring of the stunning zones by alarms etc., and in particular to be able to control and / or adjust the stunning path. The change in stunning pathway is achieved by bypassing at least one transport pathway, which is controlled and / or adjusted by switching in or out a corresponding lifting device, i.e., whether a long "falling asleep phase" is required or a short period of high concentration is required.The control and / or regulating unit is preferably configured and adapted so that adjustments of the above-referenced parameters are made automatically, e.g. settings are changed accordingly, e.g. if the birds are bigger (meaning there are fewer birds in the bin and on the transport conveyor) but the speed of the downstream process (e.g. the slaughter line) remains the same, then the number of birds conveyed through the stunning chamber per minute needs to be increased, i.e. the conveying speed needs to be increased and the stunning path needs to be extended. All information and parameters are monitored for example by a PLC or control and / or regulating unit configured and adapted as a computer (system), and the settings are preferably immediately controllable and / or adjustable, more preferably automatically, corresponding to the birds in the bin during operation.

[0036] One development is characterized in that the or each input station is configured and adapted to feed the containers vertically and / or horizontally onto at least one conveying path. Depending on the conditions at the production site, feeding can take place vertically, preferably from above, for example by means of a lifting device, and / or horizontally from the side, for example by means of a transverse conveyor, in order to guide the containers into the stunning chamber. This results in a compact device. Incidentally, the same also applies to the or each discharge station. More preferably, when feeding from the horizontal side, the openings are configured and adapted to be smaller so that gas exchange between the stunning chamber and the ambient air is as little as possible.

[0037] A preferred development of the invention is characterized in that the or each discharge station is configured and adapted to discharge the containers vertically and / or horizontally from the stunning chamber.

[0038] An expedient embodiment of the invention is characterized in that lifting devices are provided at the beginning and / or end of the transport path of each transport conveyor, to configure and adapt the vertical transport of the containers.

[0039] This object is achieved by the above-mentioned method, which comprises the steps of: supplying containers containing live poultry to a stunning chamber by at least one input station, the at least one stunning chamber being arranged on the ground; transporting the containers by a transport device having at least one transport conveyor through at least two stunning sections of the stunning chamber arranged approximately horizontally one above the other, the mixed gas in the at least two stunning sections having different concentrations of stunning gas in each case, the concentration of stunning gas in the mixed gas in the at least two stunning sections increasing from the uppermost stunned section of the stunning sections to the lowermost stunned section of the stunning sections; and discharging the containers containing the stunned poultry by a discharge station, the containers being transported along the stunning path in the stunning chamber through the at least two stunned sections on at least one transport path which snakes approximately horizontally.

[0040] To avoid repetition, reference is made to the advantages already detailed for the device according to the invention with respect to the method according to the invention, which also apply by analogy to the method according to the invention presented below.

[0041] One development is characterized in that the containers are transported in at least some sections essentially vertically by at least one lifting device provided by the transport device, the loading station and / or the unloading station.

[0042] An expedient embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the containers are transported on a substantially horizontal serpentine stunning path, and at least two stunning zones are arranged in a substantially horizontal serpentine pattern one above the other.

[0043] A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the containers are transported substantially horizontally by at least one of the transport conveyors through the at least two stunning zones, and at least one lifting device transports the containers substantially vertically between the at least two transport conveyors.

[0044] One development is characterized in that in the course of the stunning path, the containers are transported by at least one lifting device between at least two of the stunning areas, the stunning areas being placed one above the other and having at least one conveying path, configured and adapted for vertical transport of the containers between the at least two stunning areas, and at least one of the conveying paths being bypassed.

[0045] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the stunning path provided for the transport of the containers is reduced by bypassing at least one of the transport paths for the containers.

[0046] A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the gas and / or gas mixture is supplied into the stunning chamber by at least one gas supply device.

[0047] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the gas mixture having the first stunning gas concentration is supplied by at least one gas supply device into the lowest stunning zone of the at least two stunning zones.

[0048] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, in at least one of the stunning zones, preferably the lowest stunning zone of the stunning zones, oxygen and / or an oxygen-containing gas mixture is supplied by at least one gas supply device to constitute and adapt an oxygen-containing gas mixture having a stunning gas concentration.

[0049] An expedient embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the gas flow of at least one gas and / or gas mixture from a first stunning zone to another stunning zone is supplied by at least one gas flow device within the stunning chamber, preferably from the lowest stunning zone to at least one of the upper stunning zones.

[0050] A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the containers each pass substantially horizontally along a stunning path through at least three stunning zones, one after the other, namely a first stage I with a stunning gas concentration of 5-25% in the gas mixture, a second stage II with a stunning gas concentration of 25-50% in the gas mixture and a third stage III with a stunning gas concentration of 50-100% in the gas mixture, each of which is associated with an adjacent stunning zone. Thus, for example, the gas mixture supplied to the first stunning zone can be passed at a concentration of, for example, 5 to 25% stunning gas in the gas mixture (phase I), the gas mixture supplied to the second stunning zone, independently of phase I, can be passed at a concentration of, for example, 25 to 50% stunning gas in the gas mixture (phase II), and the gas mixture supplied to the third stunning zone, independently of phase II, can be passed at a concentration of, for example, 50 to 100% stunning gas in the gas mixture (phase III). The concentration of stunning gas is preferably approximately constant within the stunning zones. Conveniently, all containers each pass through at least three stunning zones in succession in the conveying direction T, namely a first stage I with a stunning gas concentration of 5-25% in the gas mixture, a second stage II with a stunning gas concentration of 25-50% in the gas mixture and a third stage III with a stunning gas concentration of 50-100% in the gas mixture. However, the number of stages and the stage concentrations may of course be varied.

[0051] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that downstream of the stunning section having stages I to III, possible fluctuations in the concentration of stunning gas in the gas mixture are compensated for by increasing or decreasing the concentration of stunning gas in the gas mixture.

[0052] A preferred development of the invention is characterized in that in the stunning zone having stages I to III, possible fluctuations in the concentration of the stunning gas in the gas mixture are compensated for by increasing or decreasing the concentration of the stunning gas in the gas mixture, preferably by supplying at least one gas and / or gas mixture using at least one gas supply device. In this way, on the one hand it is possible to actively react to inaccurate stunning gas concentrations and to create ideal conditions for stunning the birds, and on the other hand the concentration of the stunning gas can be actively adjusted during transport if a change during the stunning process is required.

[0053] According to a further preferred embodiment, the gas concentration of the stunning gas in the gas mixture is monitored in at least one of the at least two stunning zones. The monitoring is preferably carried out by a gas monitoring system, e.g. comprising a device with at least one sensor. In a further preferred embodiment, the device comprises at least one monitoring system, preferably a camera monitoring system, which monitors the stages and times of the poultry's loss of consciousness. For this purpose, monitoring of the stunning chamber is particularly configured and adapted by a camera monitoring system and / or through an observation window. The gas concentration present, e.g. a carbon dioxide content of up to 40%, is monitored by a gas monitoring device (e.g. a sensor), making it possible to rearrange, shorten or extend the stunning path or stunning time from entry to the "sweet spot" of loss of consciousness (up to 40%), if necessary.

[0054] Further expedient and / or advantageous features and developments of the device and preferred method steps according to the invention emerge from the dependent claims and the description. Particularly preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0055] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic side view of a preferred embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic top view of a preferred embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention; [Figure 3] 2 is a schematic side view of a further preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention; FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0056] The device 10 according to the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the above-mentioned drawings. The device 10 shown is used for gas stunning of poultry, i.e. broilers, which are placed in individual containers 11 and conveyed through a stunning chamber 12. However, a device 10 according to the invention for stunning poultry conveyed through a stunning chamber 12 in stacked containers can equally well be used, stacked containers being two or more containers arranged one above the other. Naturally, the device 10 is also suitable for stunning other species of poultry, such as geese, ducks, etc.

[0057] 1 to 3 each show an apparatus 10 for gas stunning, with a stunning gas-containing gas mixture, live poultry placed in a container 11 intended for slaughter. The apparatus 10 comprises at least one stunning chamber 12 having at least two stunning zones 13, 14, 15, at least one input station 16 for the containers 11 containing live poultry arranged at the entrance side of the stunning chamber 12, at least one discharge station 17 for the containers 11 containing stunned poultry arranged at the exit side of the stunning chamber 12, and a transport device 18 having at least one transport conveyor 19 configured and adapted to transport the containers 11 from the input station 16 through the stun chamber 12 to the discharge station 17 along at least one transport path.

[0058] According to the present invention, the apparatus 10 is characterized in that at least one stunning chamber 12 is arranged on the ground, at least two stunning zones 13, 14, 15 are arranged one above the other substantially horizontally, the gas mixture in the at least two stunning zones 13, 14, 15 has different concentrations of stunning gas in each case, the concentration of stunning gas in the gas mixture in the at least two stunning zones 13, 14, 15 increases starting from the uppermost stunning zone 13 of the stunning zones to the lowermost stunning zone 15 of the stunning zones, and the transport device 18 is arranged and adapted to transport the containers 11 along the stunning path in the stunning chamber 12 through the at least two stunning zones 13, 14, 15 on at least one transport path that snakes substantially horizontally. Figure 1 shows in more detail the transport of the container 11 configured and adapted by the transport device 18 using arrow symbols which indicate the preferred transport direction T of the container 11 as it passes along the stunning path.

[0059] The features and developments described below represent preferred embodiments when taken on their own or in combination with each other. It is also expressly pointed out that the features described in the claims and / or in the general embodiments or summarized herein may further develop the above-described device 10 in a functionally independent manner. The same applies to the further embodiments and methods described below.

[0060] The embodiment of the device 10 shown in Figure 1 has a total of three stunning zones 13, 14 and 15. However, the number of stunning zones 13, 14, 15 may vary, provided that at least two stunning zones are provided to provide the different concentrations of stunning gas required to stun the birds. In a further preferred embodiment not shown, the stunning chamber 12 of the device 10 may comprise up to five stunning zones.

[0061] Preferably, the transport device 18 comprises a plurality of transport conveyors 19, the number of which corresponds at least to the number of stunning zones 13, 14, 15 provided. In the apparatus 10 of Figure 1, a transport device 18 having a plurality of transport conveyors 19 which can be driven and controlled together or, preferably, individually is provided for transporting the containers 11 through the stunning chamber 12. If a plurality of transport conveyors 19 are arranged one behind the other, the plurality of transport conveyors 19 can be operated in coordination with one another. The or each transport conveyor 19 is preferably configured and adapted to transport the containers 11 substantially horizontally along a transport path and through at least a portion of one of the stunning zones 13, 14, 15. The stunning chamber 12 in the embodiment of Figure 1 is an open-space chamber, but is preferably closed on all sides and sealed against the environment.

[0062] In the preferred embodiment of Fig. 2, which shows a top view of the apparatus 10 according to the invention, the stunning chamber 12 is shown with a conveying device 18 which conveys the containers 11 arranged in two rows 21, 22. Basically, the invention encompasses any embodiment in which more than one container 11 can be conveyed laterally. The necessary components of the apparatus, such as the transport conveyor 19, the lifting device 20, etc., can be adapted depending on the width of the plurality of containers 11. The two rows 21, 22 of containers 11 shown in Fig. 2 can be controlled in parallel or independently.

[0063] The conveying device 18, the loading station 16 and / or the unloading station 17 preferably comprises at least one lifting device 20 for conveying the container 11 substantially vertically. In the embodiments of Figures 1 and 3, respectively, the vertical conveying T V1, the transport device 18 comprises at least three lifting devices 20, which allow the containers 11 to be inserted into or discharged from the stunning chamber 12, preferably from a level above the uppermost stunning section 13. Preferably, a low concentration of stunning gas or no stunning gas is present, i.e., less than 10% of the mixed gas is present in the region above the uppermost stunning section 13. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the transport device 18 comprises at least three lifting devices 20, which allow the vertical transport T of the containers 11 in the stunning chamber 12. V are configured and adapted in each case. For example, lifting devices 20 are placed at the ends 23 of the uppermost stunning section 13 and the intermediate stunning section 14 and are configured and adapted for transporting the containers 11 from one stunning section 13 to the further stunning section 14. By means of the lifting devices 20, the containers 11 can be raised or lowered independently, respectively, so that they can be assigned to the corresponding stunning section 13, 14, 15, for example according to specifications. The lifting devices 20 preferably comprise a transport conveyor 19 or means for transporting the containers 11, and are adapted for vertical transport T V Thereafter, the device is configured and adapted for further transport of the container 11 onto a transport conveyor 19 adjacent to a lifting device 20 .

[0064] Preferably, the or each input station 16 is configured and adapted to feed the containers 11 vertically and / or horizontally onto at least one conveying path, and more preferably, the or each discharge station 17 is configured and adapted to discharge the containers 11 vertically and / or horizontally from the stunning chamber 12.

[0065] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the stunning chamber 12 preferably comprises a stunning section 25 with at least two stunning zones 13, 14, 15, the containers 11 being transportable in each case by at least one of the transport conveyors 19 through the at least two stunning zones 13, 14, 15 in an approximately horizontal manner, and at least one lifting device 20 being transportable between the at least two transport conveyors 19 in a vertical manner. VThe system is configured and adapted to:

[0066] Preferably, at least one lifting device 20 is provided in the path of the stunning path between at least two stunning zones 13, 14, 15, the at least two stunning zones 13, 14, 15 being placed one above the other and having at least one conveying path, allowing for vertical conveyance T of the containers 11 between the at least two stunning zones 13, 14, 15. V Preferably, the lifting device 20 is adapted to lift the container 11 in one of the stunning zones 13, 14, 15, and to transport the container 11 in one of the stunning zones 13, 14, 15. V During this time, the lifting device 20 is configured and adapted to reduce the distance between the corresponding stunning zones 13, 14, 15. U The bypass in the middle is the vertical transport T of the lifting device 20 V and the lifting device 20 ensures that the containers 11 are preferably not conveyed over the entire one possible path of the stunning zones 13, 14, 15. More preferably, the stunning path provided for the conveyance of the containers 11 can be reduced if at least one of the conveyance paths is bypassed by the lifting device 20. In this way, at a constant conveyance speed, the poultry are exposed to stunning gas at the gas concentration prevailing in the stunning zones 13, 14, 15 for a shorter period of time.

[0067] The conveying device 18 and / or the at least one lifting device 20 are preferably poultry adjustable, allowing for variable conveying speeds and / or variable stunning paths depending on the number and / or weight of the poultry in the container 11, resulting in number and / or weight specific stunning. A variable stunning path can be configured, for example, by changing the length of the stunning path, and at least one of the lifting devices 20 is adapted to adjust the vertical conveying speed T of the container 11. V can be configured and adapted, so that the transport T U The bypass transport direction T of the containers 11 is shown by the arrow symbols in Figures 1, 2 and 3 along a stun path that is reduced when bypassing at least one of the transport paths. Uis preferably constituted by at least one lifting device 20, so that the length of the conveying path or stunning path can be variously adapted depending on the size or number of birds to be fed. For example, large birds or containers 11 with a large number of birds can be conveyed along the entire length of the stunning zones 13, 14, 15, respectively, and at the end of the stunning zones 13, 14 can be conveyed by a lifting device 20 to the lower stunning zone 14, 15, thereby forming as long a stunning path as possible. Optionally, it is further possible to pass through at least one of the stunning zones 13, 14 again by conveying the container to the upper stunning zone 13, 14 by a lifting device 20. Containers 11 with medium-sized birds can be conveyed by one of the lifting devices 20 arranged between the two transport conveyors 19 in a path from the stunning zones 13, 14, 15 to the lower stunning zone 14, 15, up to the end 23 of the respective stunning zone. Containers 11 with smaller poultry may be transported directly to the lower stunning zones 14, 15 by the loading station 16 or may bypass the multiple conveying paths by lifting devices 20. The number and location of lifting devices 20 may vary. Overall, the number of stunning zones 13, 14, 15 may be increased or decreased based on the poultry being transported in the container 11.

[0068] In a further embodiment of the apparatus 10 according to the invention, shown in Fig. 3, the stunning chamber 12 is preferably configured as a closed stunning tunnel 24. In Fig. 3, the stunning path also extends in a substantially horizontal serpentine manner, and the at least two stunning zones 13, 14, 15 are arranged in a substantially horizontal serpentine manner, one above the other. The or each transport conveyor 19 forms a transport path for a transport device 18, which is configured and adapted to transport the containers 11 along the stunning path in a substantially horizontal serpentine manner throughout the entire apparatus 10 and correspondingly from the stunning zones 13 to 15. The stunning tunnel 24 is preferably closed on all sides (except for openings 26 for feeding and unloading the containers 11, i.e., at the loading station 16 and the unloading station 17). Optionally, the stunning tunnel may also be sealed against the environment using means in the form of a visible or invisible airlock or the like, not shown in detail in Fig. 3. Such sealing means may also be present between the individual stunning sections 13, 14, 15. Furthermore, such stunning tunnels 24 are preferably arranged to accommodate the vertical transport T V The at least one lifting device 20 is preferably located at the end 23 of the stunning zone 13, 14, 15. Furthermore, such an apparatus 10 preferably comprises at least one lifting device 20 between at least two stunning zones 13, 14, 15 and at least one bypass T of the conveying path. U 3, the stunning tunnel 24 of the present invention, preferably in the region of the lifting device 20, may be provided with a sealable airlock, a flap or the like, not shown in detail in the figures, to allow for a T bypass of at least one conveying path along the processing path. U Openings are configured and adapted between the stunning areas 13, 14, 15 for transporting the containers 11 during stunning.

[0069] Preferably, the at least one input station 16 and / or the at least one discharge station 17 comprises at least one gas barrier 27, which is configured and adapted to ensure that the mixed gas substantially remains within the stunning chamber 12 and / or that ambient gas does not substantially enter the stunning chamber 12. The gas barrier 27 may be configured and adapted, for example, by a curtain, an airlock device or by structural measures forming an airlock. More preferably, the at least one input station 16 and / or the at least one discharge station 17 are arranged above the stunning chamber 12 or above the uppermost stunning zone 13, respectively, so as to provide a reliable and simple sealing of the stunning chamber 12 against the environment. Particularly preferably, the gas concentration of the stunning gas at the inlet and outlet, i.e. in the region of the at least one input station 16 and / or the at least one discharge station 17, is close to zero (maximum 10%).

[0070] Optionally, the stunning chamber 12 comprises at least one gas supply device 28 configured and adapted to supply a gas and / or gas mixture into the stunning chamber 12. Preferably, a stunning gas or a stunning gas-containing gas mixture may be supplied into the lowest stunning section 15 of the at least two stunning sections 13, 14, 15 by at least one of the at least one gas supply device 28 to configure and adapt a gas mixture having a first concentration of stunning gas in the lowest stunning section 15. Alternatively or additionally, oxygen and / or an oxygen-containing gas mixture may be supplied into at least one of the at least one gas supply device 28 to configure and adapt an oxygen-containing gas mixture having a concentration of stunning gas in at least one of the stunning sections 13, 14, 15.

[0071] Preferably, the stunning chamber 12 comprises at least one gas flow device 29 configured and adapted to provide a gas flow G of at least one gas and / or gas mixture from a first one of the stunning zones 13, 14, 15 to another one of the stunning zones 13, 14, 15, preferably from the lowest stunning zone 15 to at least one of the upper stunning zones 14, 13. Particularly preferably, the gas flow device 29 is configured and adapted to flow a stunning gas and / or a stunning gas-containing gas mixture within the stunning chamber 12, preferably within the lowest stunning zone 15, wherein the gas concentration of the stunning gas and / or stunning gas-containing gas mixture gradually decreases along the serpentine stunning path, starting from a maximum gas concentration of the stunning gas. More preferably, a gas flow G of gas and / or gas mixture can flow through the stunning tunnel 24 along a serpentine stunning path via at least one lifting device 20 from the lowest stunning section 15 to at least one of the upper stunning sections 14, 13. In Figure 3, the gas flow G is diagrammatically indicated by an arrow symbol pointing opposite to the stunning path and the conveying direction T of the containers 11. Preferably, the intensity of the gas flow G gradually decreases starting from a gas flow device 29; several gas flow devices 29 can be arranged inside the stunning chamber 12 to maintain a desired flow rate over the entire path of the stunning sections 13, 14, 15. The gas flow device 29 is, for example, a continuous flow machine, particularly preferably a fan.

[0072] Optionally, at least one means, not explicitly shown, is allocated in the stunning chamber 12 for determining the gas concentration of the stunning gas in the gas mixture inside the stunning zones 13, 14, 15, for detecting the flow rate of the gas flow G and / or for visually monitoring the stunning zones 13, 14, 15. The means may comprise gas sensors and / or cameras and / or other detection components providing relevant information related to the stunning process in one of the stunning zones 13, 14, 15.

[0073] Particularly preferably, the apparatus 10 comprises a control and / or regulating unit (not shown in detail) by means of which the conveying speed of the or each transport conveyor 19, the use of at least one lifting device 20 and the composition of the gas mixture relative to the concentration of stunning gas therein can be controlled / regulated in at least one of the stunning zones 13, 14, 15. More preferably, the control and / or regulating unit can also be used to control / regulate further components of the apparatus 10, such as the or each input station 16, the or each discharge station 17 and / or the or each lifting device 20 and the gas supply device 28 and / or the gas flow device 29. Preferably, all components of the apparatus can be controlled and / or regulated separately and independently from one another. However, a higher-level control and / or regulating unit is used to ensure a coordinated and continuous functioning of the apparatus 10, in particular taking into account the poultry in the containers 11 to be conveyed.

[0074] In a preferred embodiment, the lifting device 20 is provided at the start 30 and / or end 31 of the conveying path of each conveyor 19, and the vertical conveyance T V 1, an example of a transport conveyor 19 has a start end 30 and an end end 31 marked with reference numerals. The lifting devices 20 are arranged in each case upstream and downstream of the transport conveyor 19, respectively, and the lifting devices 20 are adapted to vertically transport the containers 11. V 19, and is configured and adapted for, for example, the subsequent conveying path bypass T U exists.

[0075] The method is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. The method is used to gas-stun live poultry intended for slaughter and placed in a container 11 with a stunning gas-containing gas mixture. For this purpose, the container 11 containing the live poultry is fed to a stunning chamber 12 by means of at least one input station 16. The stunning chamber 12 is arranged on the ground. The container 11 is then transported by a transport device 18 having at least one transport conveyor 19 through at least two stunning zones 13, 14, 15 of the stunning chamber 12, which are arranged substantially horizontally one above the other, the stunning gas mixture in the at least two stunning zones 13, 14, 15 having in each case different concentrations of stunning gas, the concentration of stunning gas in the stunning gas mixture in the at least two stunning zones 13, 14, 15 increasing from the uppermost stun zone 13 to the lowermost stun zone 15 of the stunning zones. Finally, the containers 11 containing the stunned poultry are discharged by a discharge station 17.

[0076] This method is characterized in that, according to the invention, the containers 11 are transported by a transport device 18 into the stunning chamber 12 along a stunning path which snakes approximately horizontally through at least two stunning zones 13, 14, 15 on at least one transport path.

[0077] Preferably, the containers 11 are transported substantially vertically in at least some sections by at least one lifting device 20 provided in the transport device 18, the input station 16 and / or the discharge station 17. V 1 to 3, a plurality of lifting devices 20 are in each case, for example, T, which transport the containers 11 vertically between stunning zones 13, 14, 15. V More preferably, the container 11 is conveyed on a substantially horizontal serpentine stunning path, and the at least two stunning zones 13, 14, 15 are arranged in a substantially horizontal serpentine arrangement one above the other.

[0078] In the embodiment shown as an example, the containers 11 are transported substantially horizontally through the at least two stunning zones 13, 14, 15, and at least one of the transport conveyors 19, at least one of the at least one lifting device 20, transports the containers 11 substantially vertically between the at least two transport conveyors 19. Preferably, in the course of the stunning path, the containers 11 are transported by at least one lifting device 20 between at least two of the at least two stunning zones 13, 14, 15, and the at least two stunning zones 13, 14, 15 are placed one above the other and have at least one transport path, allowing for vertical transport T of the containers 11 between the at least two stunning zones 13, 14, 15. V and at least one of the conveying paths is configured and adapted to be bypassed. U Particularly preferably, the bypass T of at least one container 11 of the conveying path U This shortens the stun treatment path provided for transporting the containers 11. In other words, the T bypasses at least one transport path. U In this case, the bypass of the conveying path makes it possible to shorten the available stunning path, so that the poultry in the conveyed containers 11 are exposed for a shorter period of time in the corresponding stunning zones 13, 14, 15 (at least at a certain conveying speed).

[0079] Preferably, the gas and / or gas mixture is supplied into the stunning chamber 12 by at least one gas supply device 28. More preferably, the gas and / or gas mixture may be introduced by mechanical ventilation. The introduced gas and / or gas mixture may be controlled and / or adjusted as required. Particularly preferably, a gas mixture having a first concentration of stunning gas is supplied into the lowest stunning zone 15 of the at least two stunning zones 13, 14, 15 by at least one gas supply device 28. Additionally and / or alternatively, in at least one of the stunning zones 13, 14, 15, preferably the lowest stunning zone 15 of the stunning zones, oxygen and / or an oxygen-containing gas mixture is supplied by the at least one gas supply device 28 to constitute and adapt the oxygen-containing gas mixture having a concentration of stunning gas.

[0080] Optionally, in the stunning chamber 12, a gas flow G of at least one gas and / or gas mixture is supplied by at least one gas flow device 29 from a first stunning zone 13, 14, 15 to another stunning zone 13, 14, 15, preferably from the lowest stunning zone 15 to at least one of the upper stunning zones 14, 13.

[0081] In the embodiment shown by way of example in Figures 1 to 3, each vessel 11 passes through at least three stunning zones 13, 14, 15 in a substantially horizontal direction along a stunning path, one after the other: a first stage I with a stunning gas concentration of 5-25% in the gas mixture; a second stage II with a stunning gas concentration of 25-50% in the gas mixture; and a third stage III with a stunning gas concentration of 50-100% in the gas mixture. Particularly preferably, in stage I, a stunning gas concentration of about 10% in the gas mixture is selected; in stage II, a stunning gas concentration of about 40% in the gas mixture is selected; and in stage III, a stunning gas concentration of about 60% in the gas mixture (for deep unconsciousness, i.e., stunning) and a stunning gas concentration of 100% in the gas mixture (for irreversible unconsciousness, brain death, i.e., slaughter) are selected, respectively. The gas concentrations and the number of stages may be varied. Possible variations in the preset concentration of stunning gas in the gas mixture can be compensated for by increasing or decreasing the concentration of stunning gas in the gas mixture, preferably by supplying at least one gas and / or gas mixture using at least one gas supply device 28. By modifying the stunning path, the corresponding time of a container 11 in each stunning zone 13, 14, 15 can be adjusted according to the birds in the containers 11 being transported, for example, larger birds (or more birds per container 11) will go through a longer stunning path than smaller birds (or fewer birds per container 11). Furthermore, the stunning distance can be adjusted according to the stress tolerance of the birds, with birds requiring a higher concentration of stunning gas to achieve the desired conditions (stunned, slaughter, etc.) going through a longer stunning path than birds requiring exposure to a lower stunning gas.

[0082] Preferably, the gas concentration of the stunning gas in the gas mixture is monitored in at least one of the at least two stunning zones 13, 14, 15. The monitoring may also include recording information, which may be used, for example, to control and / or adjust the gas concentration, the conveying device 18 or the lifting device 20, and other parameters affecting the stunning process (e.g., conveying speed).

Claims

1. 1. An apparatus (10) configured and adapted for gas stunning live poultry placed in a container (11) intended for slaughter with a stunning gas-containing gas mixture, the apparatus comprising: at least one stunning chamber (12) having at least two stunning zones (13, 14, 15); at least one input station (16) for the containers (11) containing live poultry, arranged at the entrance side of the stunning chamber (12); at least one discharge station (17) for the containers (11) containing stunned poultry, arranged at the exit side of the stunning chamber (12); and a transport device (18) having at least one transport conveyor (19), the at least one transport conveyor (19) configured and adapted to transport the containers (11) from the input station (16) through the stunning chamber (12) to the discharge station (17) along at least one transport path. the at least one stunning chamber (12) is arranged on the ground, and the at least two stunning zones (13, 14, 15) are arranged and adapted to be placed substantially horizontally and one above the other in a vertical direction relative to the ground; the gas mixture of the at least two stunning zones (13, 14, 15) has in each case different stunning gas concentrations, the stunning gas concentrations in the gas mixture of the at least two stunning zones (13, 14, 15) increasing starting from the uppermost stunning zone (13) of the stunning zones to the lowermost stunning zone (15) of the stunning zones, The apparatus (10) is characterized in that the conveying device (18) is configured and adapted to convey the containers (11) along a stunning path in the stunning chamber (12) through the at least two stunning zones (13, 14, 15) on at least one substantially horizontal serpentine conveying path.

2. 2. The apparatus (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the conveying device (18), the loading station (16) and / or the unloading station (17) comprise at least one lifting device (20) for transporting the container (11) substantially vertically.

3. 3. The apparatus (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the transport device (18) comprises a plurality of the transport conveyors (19), the number of which corresponds at least to the number of the stunning zones (13, 14, 15) provided.

4. 4. The device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each of the transport conveyors (19) is configured and adapted to transport the containers (11) substantially horizontally along a transport path that passes through at least a portion of one of the stunning areas (13, 14, 15).

5. 5. The apparatus (10) according to claim 2, wherein the at least one lifting device (20) is provided in the path of a stunning path between the at least two stunning zones (13, 14, 15), the at least two stunning zones (13, 14, 15) being placed one above the other and having at least one conveying path adapted for vertical transport of the containers (11) between the at least two stunning zones (13, 14, 15), at least one of the conveying paths being capable of being bypassed.

6. 6. The apparatus (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that the stunning paths provided for the transport of the containers (11) can be reduced when at least one of the transport paths is bypassed by the lifting device (20).

7. 7. The apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the lifting device (20) is configured and adapted to reduce the distance of the corresponding stunning zone (13, 14, 15) when the container (11) is transported by the lifting device (20) in one of the stunning zones (13, 14, 15).

8. 8. Apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the conveying device (18) and / or the at least one lifting device (20) are adjustable to the birds, allowing for a variable conveying speed and / or a variable stunning path depending on the number and / or weight of the birds in the container (11), thereby enabling a number- and / or weight-specific stunning to be achieved.

9. 9. The device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the stunning chamber (12) is configured and adapted as a closed stunning tunnel (24), the stunning path extends in an approximately horizontal serpentine manner, and the at least two stunning zones (13, 14, 15) are arranged one above the other in an approximately horizontal serpentine manner.

10. 10. Apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 9, characterized in that the stunning chamber (12) comprises a stunning compartment (25) together with the at least two stunning zones (13, 14, 15), the containers (11) being transportable in each case substantially horizontally through the at least two stunning zones (13, 14, 15) by at least one of the transport conveyors (19), and the at least one lifting device (20) is configured and adapted for vertical transport between the at least two transport conveyors (19).

11. 11. The device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the at least one input station (16) and / or the at least one discharge station (17) comprise at least one gas barrier (27), which is configured and adapted to ensure that the mixed gas substantially remains within the stunning chamber (12) and / or that ambient gas does not substantially enter the stunning chamber (12).

12. 12. Apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the stunning chamber (12) comprises at least one gas supply device (28) configured and adapted to supply a gas and / or a gas mixture into the stunning chamber (12).

13. 13. The apparatus (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that stunning gas or a gas mixture containing stunning gas is supplied into the lowest stunning zone (15) of the at least two stunning zones by at least one of the at least one gas supply device (28), to configure and adapt a gas mixture having a first concentration of stunning gas in the lowest stunning zone (15).

14. 14. The apparatus (10) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that oxygen and / or an oxygen-containing mixed gas is supplied into at least one of the stunning zones (13, 14, 15) by at least one of the at least one gas supply device (28) to constitute and adapt an oxygen-containing mixed gas having a concentration of stunning gas.

15. 15. Apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the stunning chamber (12) comprises at least one gas flow device (29) configured and adapted to supply a gas flow G of at least one gas and / or gas mixture from a first stunning zone (13, 14, 15) to another stunning zone (13, 14, 15) of the stunning zones (13, 14, 15), preferably from the lowest stunning zone (15) to at least one of the stunning zones (14, 13) above.

16. 16. The apparatus (10) according to claim 15, wherein the gas flow device (29) is configured and adapted to supply stunning gas and / or stunning gas-containing mixtures flowing in the stunning chamber (12), preferably in the lowermost stunning zone (15), and wherein the gas concentration of stunning gas and / or stunning gas-containing mixtures gradually decreases along the serpentine stunning path, starting from a maximum gas concentration of stunning gas.

17. Apparatus (10) as described in claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the stunning chamber (12) is configured and adapted as a closed stunning tunnel (24), and the gas flow G of gas and / or mixed gas can flow through the closed stunning tunnel (24) along the serpentine stunning path via the at least one lifting device (20) from the lowest stunning zone (15) to at least one of the upper stunning zones (14, 13).

18. 18. Apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 17, characterized in that it comprises a control and / or regulation unit by means of which the conveying speed of the or each conveying conveyor (19), the use of the at least one lifting device (20) and the composition of the gas mixture relative to the concentration of stunning gas in the gas mixture can be controlled and / or regulated in at least one of the stunning zones (13, 14, 15).

19. 19. Apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the or each input station (16) is configured and adapted to feed the containers (11) vertically and / or horizontally on the at least one conveying path.

20. 20. Apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the or each discharge station (17) is configured and adapted to discharge the containers (11) from the stunning chamber (12) vertically and / or horizontally.

21. An apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 20, characterized in that the lifting device (20) is provided at the beginning and / or end of the conveying path of each of the transport conveyors (19) to configure and adapt the vertical transport of the containers (11).

22. 1. A method for gas stunning live poultry placed in a container (11) intended for slaughter, with a gas mixture containing a stunning gas, said method comprising: - feeding said containers (11) containing live poultry by means of at least one input station (16) into a stunning chamber (12), said stunning chamber (12) being located on the ground; - transporting said containers (11) by means of a transport device (18) having at least one transport conveyor (19) through at least two stunning zones (13, 14, 15) of said stunning chamber (12) arranged substantially horizontally and one above the other in a vertical direction relative to the ground, the gas mixture of the at least two stunning zones (13, 14, 15) has in each case different concentrations of stunning gas, the concentration of stunning gas in the gas mixture of the at least two stunning zones (13, 14, 15) increasing starting from the uppermost stunning zone (13) of the stunning zones to the lowermost stunning zone (15) of the stunning zones; - discharging said containers (11) containing the stunned poultry by means of a discharging station (17); Including, 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the containers (11) are transported by the transport device (18) along a stunning path that snakes substantially horizontally through the at least two stunning zones (13, 14, 15) on the at least one transport path into the stunning chamber (12).

23. 23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that the container (11) is transported substantially vertically in at least several sections by at least one lifting device (20) provided in the transport device (18), the loading station (16) and / or the unloading station (17).

24. 24. A method according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that the containers (11) are transported on the stunning path which is substantially horizontal and serpentine, and the at least two stunning zones (13, 14, 15) are arranged in a substantially horizontal, serpentine arrangement one above the other.

25. 25. The method according to claim 23 or claim 24 when relying on claim 23, characterized in that the containers (11) are transported approximately horizontally by at least one of the transport conveyors (19) through the at least two stunning zones (13, 14, 15), respectively, and the at least one lifting device (20) transports the containers (11) approximately vertically between the at least two transport conveyors (19).

26. 26. The method according to claim 23, claim 24 which cites claim 23 or claim 25 which cites claim 23, characterized in that in the course of the stunning path, the container (11) is transported by the at least one lifting device (20) between at least two stunning zones (13, 14, 15) which are placed one above the other and have at least one conveying path which configures and adapts for vertical transport of the container (11) between the at least two stunning zones (13, 14, 15), and at least one of the conveying paths is bypassed.

27. 27. Method according to claim 26, characterized in that the stunning path provided for the transport of the container (11) is reduced by the container (11) bypassing at least one of the transport paths.

28. 28. Method according to any one of claims 22 to 27, characterized in that a gas and / or a gas mixture is supplied into the stunning chamber (12) by means of at least one gas supply device (28).

29. 29. The method according to claim 28, characterized in that a mixed gas having a first concentration of stunning gas is supplied by said at least one gas supply device (28) into the lowest stunning zone of said at least two stunning zones (13, 14, 15).

30. 30. The method according to claim 28 or 29, characterized in that in at least one of the stunning zones (13, 14, 15), preferably the lowest stunning zone (15) of the stunning zones, oxygen and / or an oxygen-containing mixed gas is supplied by the at least one gas supply device (28) to constitute and adapt an oxygen-containing mixed gas having a concentration of stunning gas.

31. 31. A method according to any one of claims 22 to 30, characterized in that in the stunning chamber (12) a gas flow G of at least one gas and / or gas mixture is supplied by at least one gas flow device (29) from a first stunning zone (13, 14, 15) to another stunning zone (13, 14, 15), preferably from the lowest stunning zone (15) to at least one of the upper stunning zones (14, 13).

32. 32. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 31, characterized in that each of the containers (11) passes through at least three stunning zones (13, 14, 15) successively in an approximately horizontal direction along the stunning path, namely a first stage I with a stunning gas concentration of 5 to 25% in the gas mixture, a second stage II with a stunning gas concentration of 25 to 50% in the gas mixture, and a third stage III with a stunning gas concentration of 50 to 100% in the gas mixture.

33. 32. The method according to claim 28 and any one of claims 29 to 32, when dependent on claim 28, characterized in that in the stunning zone (13, 14, 15) having stages I to III, possible fluctuations in the concentration of stunning gas in the gas mixture can be compensated for by increasing or decreasing the concentration of stunning gas in the gas mixture, preferably by supplying at least one gas and / or gas mixture using the at least one gas supply device (28).

34. 34. A method according to any one of claims 22 to 33, characterized in that the gas concentration of stunning gas in the gas mixture is monitored in at least one of the at least two stunning zones (13, 14, 15).

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