Disembowelment

Disemboweling a fish during food preparation
Swine inspection by USDA of disemboweled hogs

Disembowelment, disemboweling, evisceration, eviscerating or gutting is the removal of organs from the gastrointestinal tract (bowels or viscera), usually through an incision made across the abdominal area. Disembowelment is a standard routine operation during animal slaughter.[1] In ancient Rome, disembowelment of animals was practiced for divination, and was known as haruspicy. Disembowelment of humans may result from an accident, but has also been used as a method of torture, execution, or suicide. In such practices, disembowelment may be accompanied by various forms of torture or the removal of other vital organs.

  1. ^ Gill, C. O. (1 October 2007). "Microbiological conditions of meats from large game animals and birds". Meat Science. 77 (2): 149–160. doi:10.1016/j.meatsci.2007.03.007. ISSN 0309-1740. PMID 22061585.