Ovine Revolver Box: Kosher Immobilization with Animal Welfare
The kosher ovine revolver box is the immobilization system specifically designed for the Jewish ritual slaughter (shechita) of sheep: it turns the animal into a dorsal position —face up— before slaughter, without prior stunning, while complying with the animal welfare requirements of EC Regulation 1099/2009. The BLASAU model (reference LM205C5) is a patented solution with 5 rotating drawers made of AISI-304 stainless steel, featuring touchscreen control and a timing function to ensure the minimum immobilization time required by animal protection regulations.
What is the kosher ovine revolver box and why does a slaughterhouse need it?
In kosher slaughter (shechita), Jewish law requires the animal to be conscious at the time of slaughter and the incision to be made with the neck fully extended. To meet both conditions on an industrial scale, the animal must be immobilized in an inverted position —upside down— before the cut. Without a specific mechanical system, this is impossible to execute safely for the operator and with minimal stress for the animal.
BLASAU’s ovine revolver box solves this problem with a drum of 5 individual drawers that work in sequence: while one is in the slaughter position, the others are in different loading and unloading phases, allowing the line rhythm to be maintained without interruptions. For slaughterhouses that perform both ritual and traditional slaughter, the same ovine slaughter line infrastructure can be adapted to both methods.
How the Kosher Ovine Revolver Box Works: Cycle Phases
The complete immobilization and slaughter cycle in the kosher ovine revolver box unfolds in five automatic phases:
1. Animal Entry. The sheep enters through the rear opening of the drawer. A side panel pneumatically adjusts according to the animal’s size; a rear panel pushes it forward until its head protrudes through the front opening.
2. Head and Neck Restraint. A guillotine-type gate descends pneumatically to immobilize the neck. The chin rest activates and pushes the head back, stretching the neck to facilitate access for the shochet (the ritual slaughterer).
3. Turning to Dorsal Position. An electric motor rotates the drawer 180° until the animal is face up. This is the differential movement of the revolver box compared to other immobilization systems: the inverted position is what the kosher rite requires.
4. Slaughter and Bleeding. With the animal in a dorsal position and its neck extended, the shochet performs the incision. The blood is collected in the lower channel of the box. The system records the time elapsed since slaughter: the timing function prevents the drawer from opening until the minimum time set for animal welfare is met.
5. Ejection. A pneumatic side swing door ejects the animal for lifting and transfer to the next phase of the line. The drawer returns to the loading position for the next cycle.
The electrical panel has three modes: automatic (normal operation), manual (maintenance), and cleaning (daily hygiene cycle). All equipment is constructed from AISI-304 stainless steel with A2 fasteners to comply with EC Regulation 853/2004 on hygiene in products of animal origin.
Kosher Ovine Revolver Box vs. Halal Immobilizer: Key Differences
| Feature | Ovine Revolver Box (Kosher) | Halal Immobilizer |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Position | Inverted (face up) | Vertical / Lateral |
| Mechanical Turning | ✓ Electric Motor | ✗ Not Required |
| Simultaneous Drawers | 5 (sequential operation) | 1 per unit |
| Line Speed | High | Moderate |
| Ritual Protocol | Kosher (shechita) | Halal (zabiha) |
| Regulations | EC 1099/2009 + Dir. 93/119 | EC 1099/2009 + Dir. 93/119 |
The main distinction is the turning: the kosher rite requires a dorsal position, while halal does not. This is why the halal immobilizer —simpler and more compact— is sufficient for halal lines, whereas the revolver box is essential when the slaughterhouse works with Jewish communities or exports to kosher markets.
Regulations Governing the Kosher Ovine Revolver Box in the EU
The legal framework for ritual slaughter in Europe is defined by three texts:
- EC Regulation 1099/2009: regulates the protection of animals at the time of killing. Article 4.4 allows slaughter without prior stunning when required by religious rites, but mandates minimizing suffering through appropriate immobilization systems. The revolver box complies with this requirement.
- Directive 93/119/EEC: establishes animal protection conditions in slaughterhouses, including requirements for immobilization equipment. The three certificates for BLASAU’s revolver box (Directive 93/119, EEC, and Animal Welfare BLASAU) attest to compliance with this regulation.
- EC Regulation 853/2004: requires non-corrosive, easily washable materials. The AISI-304 of the revolver box meets this standard.
In Spain, Royal Decree 37/2014 implements EC 1099/2009 and is the national reference for veterinary inspection in slaughterhouses with ritual slaughter.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Kosher Ovine Revolver Box
Can the same slaughterhouse use the revolver box for both kosher and traditional slaughter?
Yes. The revolver box has a manual mode that allows operation without the turning cycle, making it compatible with mixed lines. For high-speed lines using traditional methods, the pneumatic restrainer with stainless steel belt is the most common option as complementary equipment.
What work rate does the 5-drawer revolver box allow?
The 5-drawer sequential system allows for a continuous pace without pauses between animals. The exact performance depends on the bleeding time required by the shochet and the slaughterhouse’s animal welfare protocol, parameters that are configured in the control panel.
Is it possible to install the kosher ovine revolver box in an already operating slaughterhouse?
Yes, provided there is sufficient space (the equipment occupies 1,984 × 1,906 mm in plan). BLASAU manages turnkey installation and integrates the revolver box with the existing bleeding rail system. For newly constructed lines, it is advisable to design the overhead rail system for slaughterhouses layout by coordinating the box from the outset.
Does your slaughterhouse need machinery for kosher slaughter?
BLASAU S.L. manufactures and installs the kosher ovine revolver box from its facilities in Sant Feliu de Pallerols (Girona). The technical team prepares proposals adapted to each slaughterhouse: integration plan, component list, and detailed budget, without obligation.
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