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MAR 9520Q2 - Neck Vac San Trial

Project start date: 02 November 2009
Project end date: 25 January 2010
Publication date: 01 November 2009
Project status: Completed
Livestock species: Sheep, Goat, Lamb, Grassfed cattle, Grainfed cattle
Relevant regions: National
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Summary

Background
The dressing of lamb carcases is a repetitive, physically demanding task, with the added challenge of maintaining extremely high levels of hygiene.  The nature of livestock means that great care and discipline needs to be applied for long periods in order to achieve the high standard of dressing performance demanded.  
A number of potential carcase contaminants have a zero tolerance in domestic and export markets.  The automated sani-vac or vacuum sanitisation is a process of running a hot steam vacuum wand over the carcase surface with the aid of robot automation.   The benefit to the supply chain is significantly improved reliability of steam sanitisation coverage, reduced bacterial counts, improved shelf life, reduced risk of zero tolerance incidents being encountered, and a contribution to labour supply sustainability.
Research & Facilitated Adoption

Outcomes & Adoption

Under project P.PSH.0579, an enterprise level value proposition and cost/benefit analysis (CBA) model was funded, based on an in plant SaniVac system.

More information

Project manager: Kristina Garlinge
Primary researcher: Scott Automation & Robotics Pty Ltd