An apparatus and methods are for automatic harvesting of edible components of a giblet bundle. The apparatus includes a transport means for transporting the giblet bundle suspended on the heart and/or on the lungs, and which is positioned along a first transport path along a plurality of processing stations configured for removing the gall bladder and the intestines. The apparatus further includes a means for holding the giblet bundle arranged on a transport means for transporting parts of the giblet bundle, along a second transport path. The apparatus further includes a means for removing the heart and the lungs and a means for stripping the liver. The means for holding the giblet bundle is configured and adapted for pivoting a partial giblet bundle, about approximately 180, such that it can be transported on the transport means for transporting parts of the giblet bundle.

An apparatus for cutting open a slaughtered poultry body suspended by the legs and already cut free in the region of the cloaca to form a vent opening includes a supporting apparatus for holding/positioning the poultry body during cutting, a tensioning device with a tensioning means for tensioning abdominal skin of the poultry body, and a separating device having at least one separating knife for making a longitudinal cut in the tensioned abdominal skin between the vent opening the sternum tip. The tensioning means is in the form of a knife carrier, with the separating knife pivotably mounted on the carrier to form a unit. The knife is movable relative to the carrier from a standby position, with the knife completely covered inside the carrier, into a cutting position, with the knife protruding from the carrier, and back. A corresponding method is disclosed.

An apparatus for cutting open a slaughtered poultry body suspended by the legs and already cut free in the region of the cloaca to form a vent opening includes a supporting apparatus for holding/positioning the poultry body during cutting, a tensioning device with a tensioning means for tensioning abdominal skin of the poultry body, and a separating device having at least one separating knife for making a longitudinal cut in the tensioned abdominal skin between the vent opening the sternum tip. The tensioning means is in the form of a knife carrier, with the separating knife pivotably mounted on the carrier to form a unit. The knife is movable relative to the carrier from a standby position, with the knife completely covered inside the carrier, into a cutting position, with the knife protruding from the carrier, and back. A corresponding method is disclosed.