Case-on Flaying of Sheep and Goat Skins

CASE-ON FLAYING OF SHEEP AND GOAT SKINS

  • This technique is quite popular in tropical and subtropical countries.
  • It has the advantage of giving skins with minimum cuts and excellent keeping quality.

  • After bleeding the carcass, a small incision is made on the inner side of the hind leg above the hock joint.
  • A narrow steel rod or a smooth wooden rod is now inserted in this incision and pushed under the skin towards the grain for about 45 cm. (This rod tears or loosens some of the connective tissue between the skin and body, thus minimizing the use of knife which could cause cuts, scores or gouge marks).
  • After removing the rod, a hand cut is made around the incision hole and air is blown inside with the help of bicycle pump or car foot pump.
  • Due to inflow of air, carcass is uniformly inflated like a balloon.
  • Now, the carcass is lifted from the ground and hung up by the hind leg on the hook or tripod.
  • The skin is then removed from the carcass in a case form.

The following cuts are made in this technique:

  • Circular cuts around the knee and hock joint.
  • Cuts on the scrotum, udder, etc.
  • A circular cut on the neck to severe the head skin.
  • Now the fingers followed by fist are inserted into the incisions on the hind legs.
  • The skin is pulled downward and the knife is used only when it is absolutely necessary.
  • When it reaches the chest, the skilled worker holds the skin with the both the hands and rigorously pushes with his foot to remove it from the carcass.
  • The only disadvantage in this method is that asymmetrical skins are obtained many a time.
  • Careful flaying a small part of the belly by knife can prevent this defect. 
Last modified: Friday, 17 September 2010, 4:47 AM