the invention relates to an animal body measuring apparatus , designed to individually detect features of slaughtered animal bodies that are conveyable in a row at a distance from each other and along a path , in particular poultry bodies , which measuring apparatus comprises at least one sensor , a measurement passage space for conveying the animal bodies through along a measurement passage path , on which at least one said sensor is arranged , and a holding means . the holding means comprises a movement means , by means of which said sensor , by moving the sensor back and forth , is displaceable between the measurement position lying within the measurement passage space and an outer position permitting free passage of the animal bodies , which outer position as such lies completely outside the measurement passage space . a processing apparatus for removing the meat of slaughtered animal bodies , in particular gutted bodies of poultry whose extremities have been detached , comprises at least one measuring apparatus of the stated design .