Comprehensive poultry house equipment: a key element in the success of your poultry farm

Comprehensive poultry house equipment: a list of innovative solutions for effective breeding in Modern Poultry Farm

Why is equipping a hen house a big challenge?

When deciding to build or modernize a poultry farm, we must consider the significant number of decisions and costs that lie ahead. To ultimately say it was worth it and feel satisfied with managing the facility, it's crucial to consistently adhere to a defined action plan, which can be divided into:

1. Start-up costs: Modern technologies often require significant financial outlays for their purchase and installation, which is a challenge for farmers, especially in the case of small or medium-sized farms.
2. The need to adapt technology: Introducing modern equipment often requires adapting existing infrastructure and farming processes, especially when modernizing a facility. This may require remodeling the facility, installing additional infrastructure, or training staff, which can be time-consuming and require additional resources.
3. Technical risk: Modern technologies are often innovative and can involve technical risks associated with their implementation and operation. Common problems include incompatibility, system failures, the need for constant monitoring, maintenance, and technology scaling. Therefore, making such a decision requires time to review offers, consultations, and so on.
4. Regulations and standards: The introduction of new technologies always requires compliance with regulations and standards regarding safety, environmental protection, animal welfare, and product quality. New technologies typically allow us to meet these requirements with ease. Nevertheless, farmers must be aware of the regulations in force in their region, which can impact the design, implementation, and operation of modern equipment.

Differences in poultry farm equipment: breeding laying hens, broilers, Pekin ducks or turkeys 

Poultry farming plays a key role in the global supply of eggs and meat, and constitutes a significant segment of many economies. At the same time, choosing a specialization in a given sector of poultry farming requires ensuring conditions for its proper development.

Despite the similarities between them, we must be aware of significant differences, for example, between broiler and laying hens, which will require us to employ appropriate technologies. For example, for layers, we will use a different feeding system with a feeder with a special feed limiter, or different lighting intensity and color than for fattened poultry, as we discussed in a separate article.

Here is a list of important livestock building equipment solutions that contribute to the efficiency and sustainable development of animals:

Feeding and watering systems:

Professional poultry farms are seeing an increasing demand for complex, automated feeding and watering systems. By choosing experienced and proven suppliers with warranty and post-warranty service, they can be tailored to any type and size of operation.

Silos

Although there are many silo manufacturers on the market, we can distinguish two types of chambers for storing and transporting feed (divided according to the type of material from which they are made):

• corrugated sheet silos

Sheet metal silos are characterized by their robust construction. Manufacturers often provide a multi-year warranty against corrosion, which is an added advantage. The smooth surface ensures low friction and allows grain to slide easily down the chamber wall. A silos made of thick sheet metal minimize temperature fluctuations inside the tank, helping to preserve the freshness of the feed.

• fiberglass silos

Tanks from renowned manufacturers have excellent thermal properties that reduce condensation. Because fiberglass silos are resistant to corrosion and UV radiation, they can last for many years. Their main advantage is their lightweight and durable construction, making them easy to transport, install, and operate.

Both types of silos are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, with capacities ranging from 2 to approximately 40 tons.

Crossbars (cross conveyors)

The role of the cross conveyor is to transport feed from the silo to the feed bins. From the bins, the feed flows into the longitudinal feeding system (line) with attached feeders.

Feeding systems

Feed is transported using either a spiral or chain conveyor. Both solutions have their advantages. Every farm has its own specifics, depending on the type of farming, the size and shape of the facility, and simply the business philosophy, so they should be considered based on individual needs.

• A chain feeder is ideal if your facility has a more complex system. This chain-and-creep system (also called a bead system) features a chain that moves along the bottom of the trough, distributing the feed. It can be used with a variety of feed types. It also operates automatically, is efficient, and is considered reliable.
• The spiral feeder has a motor that automatically shuts off when the last feed hopper is filled or emptied. The system, consisting of components such as a gear motor, PVC pipe with a spiral, chutes, downpipes, hoppers, and a control unit, is effective and efficient. This solution ensures good feed quality (including preventing food stratification) and is suitable for loose, crushed, or granulated feed.

Depending on the needs, pipes, elbows and spirals of various diameters can be used.

The final type of feeding system is the freestanding feeder. These are often used on smaller poultry farms, backyard chicken farms, or free-range settings where the number of birds is limited and individual feeding is possible.

Grain dispensers

Grain dispensers are mounted on the silo yoke, enabling controlled grain dosing into the feed. Given the price of wheat, this solution significantly improves the profitability of our poultry farm.

Feed weighing devices

Bulk scales are very popular. As automatic devices, they allow us to program a constant weight and monitor feed consumption.

Types of feeders

Various types of feeders are available on the market, designed for specific feeding systems and bird species. Cylindrical feeders are used for dry feed, while trough and channel feeders are used for moist and dry feed.

Trough-style feeders for hens are part of a chain system. They can be placed at a height appropriate to the type of bird and are suitable for both barn and cage systems.

Automatic feeders, often used in broiler or rooster farming, are used with spiral systems. For turkey, goose, or duck farming, it's worth using an extension ring or dedicated, enlarged feeders. Such devices are made of high-quality, damage-resistant plastic.

Containers

Feed hoppers, or feed bins, are installed at the beginning of the longitudinal line. Feed is fed into them from the spiral feeder's discharge pipes. They are made of stainless steel or plastic. Various bin capacities are available on the market.

Feed line suspension systems

The poultry feed line suspension system is used to efficiently deliver feed to birds, especially in large poultry farms.

This system includes automatic and manual lifts, servo motors, pulleys, hooks, handles and connectors.

Watering lines: drinkers and other elements

The most important element of the watering line is the waterer. Renowned manufacturers offer bowl, nipple, drip, and bell waterers.

Basic elements of the drinking system with droplet (nipple) or cup drinkers:

• waterers,
• water supply pipes or hoses,
• filter,
• pressure reducer,
• connectors and vent end.

If the system is not connected to the mains water supply, an additional storage tank should be used. Generally, using a tank with a valve, if it has sufficient capacity, is a practical solution. It will ensure constant access to clean water.

The ballasted waterer system operates on the principle of gravity-release, making it fully automatic. Fresh water is collected in a reservoir with a float valve.

It is possible to combine several types of waterers.

Heating systems

The heating system, combined with ventilation and humidity control, maintains a microclimate that promotes the birds' well-being. The temperature in the shed depends on the type of poultry being raised and the age of the poultry. For example, young chickens require a high level of warmth, reaching up to 35°C; later, the optimal temperature for broilers is around 15°C, similar to that for layers.

The most common systems are gas, oil, and water. A crucial element of each is the heater. When choosing the popular gas heating system, it's worth considering heaters with a closed combustion chamber.

The additional use of underfloor heating helps to get rid of ammonia and gases, because this solution eliminates moisture from the litter.

Cooling system

The cooling system is closely linked to the ventilation system. It is an extremely important element of poultry farm equipment, as it influences animal hygiene and health, as well as feed conversion rate (FCR).

The main components of a poultry farm cooling system include:

1. Ventilation systems: Ventilation plays a key role in cooling poultry housing by providing air circulation. Ventilation systems can be designed to remove warm air from the housing and bring in fresh air from outside.
2. High-pressure nozzles: This system is powered by a powerful water pump that breaks water into fine particles, creating a mist. This type of misting serves to lower air temperature through humidification and can also be used for disinfection. This system is controlled automatically by a control unit.
3. Thermal insulation: Appropriate thermal insulation of rooms can help reduce the transfer of heat from the outside to the interior of buildings.
4. Padcooling: This relatively old and simple method, implemented for breeding purposes, utilizes the principle of evaporative cooling to lower the air temperature inside the bird enclosure. Pad Cooling consists of wet cellulose or other large-surface materials through which air is drawn by negative pressure. As air flows through these wet cellulose or other materials, water vapor is released into the air, lowering the air temperature through the adiabatic cooling process.

Air conditioning and ventilation system:

Controlling barn climate conditions is crucial for ensuring thermal comfort and animal health. Modern ventilation, air conditioning, and environmental monitoring systems allow for optimal conditions to be maintained even in extreme weather conditions.

Types of ventilation in livestock buildings

Fans help maintain the appropriate humidity, air quality, and temperature levels, which are crucial for the birds' well-being. This is particularly important during the first phase of chickens' growth, as they must be provided with strictly defined conditions during this period.

Good ventilation helps remove ammonia, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, excess moisture, and dust. An optimal layout includes air intakes in the side walls of the building, chimney fans, and gable fans.

Modern systems use a three-phase system, moving from minimum to tunnel ventilation.

Intelligent management - control computer

The use of monitoring and management systems allows farmers to continuously monitor the health, activity, and productivity of their birds. Advanced technologies such as health sensors, surveillance cameras, and data analysis software allow for the rapid detection of problems and the implementation of appropriate preventative measures.

Lighting systems:

Adequate lighting is crucial for regulating the light cycle and maintaining the health and well-being of animals. Modern lighting systems using LED technology allow for precise control of various light parameters, which can impact the productivity, behavior, and health of birds.

Dimmable LED lamps and dimming controllers

The ideal solution for a livestock facility would be a lighting system consisting of dimmable LED lamps and dimming controllers. livestock lamps from recognized manufacturers should have parameters such as flicker-free lamps, appropriate color temperature, and the ability to adjust the luminous flux. A properly designed lighting system ensures appropriate uniformity of lighting intensity and automatically implements the daily lighting cycle.

You can read more about lighting for poultry farms in our separate article –> here.

Egg collection systems for layer rearing

Automatic nests for laying hens

Properly designed nests provide a safe and comfortable environment for hens, allowing for quick and hygienic egg collection. An automatic nest increases the efficiency of the collection process and minimizes the risk of damage (e.g., breakage, pecking) or contamination. The sloping roof prevents hens from perching on it, while the materials used, such as galvanized steel and plastic, ensure hygiene and prevent the spread of diseases and parasites, such as the red mite.

Aviary systems

It's possible that cage farming will soon be banned in Poland, so some manufacturers are already offering aviary systems. They are available in one-, two-, or three-story versions and are compatible with various feeding and watering systems. They allow for precise planning of the space for nests and perches.

Hygiene and disinfection in poultry farming

In order to ensure biosecurity in our facility, all rooms must be systematically cleaned and disinfected.

Disinfecting mats

Although the Regulation of the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of December 20, 2016, on the implementation of measures related to the outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza was repealed in 2017, it is still a good idea to equip your poultry house with disinfectant mats. Such mats should be placed at the entrance and exit to the livestock building.

Recycling and waste disposal systems:

Modern poultry farms are increasingly utilizing advanced waste recycling and disposal technologies to minimize the negative impact of farming on the environment. The introduction of waste separation, composting, and energy recovery systems allows for effective waste management and a reduced carbon footprint.

Automated transport and sorting systems:

Automated transport and sorting systems enable birds to move quickly and efficiently between different breeding areas and automatically sort hens based on specific criteria such as age, size or gender.

Summary

Modern poultry farms utilize advanced technologies and innovative solutions to ensure health, well-being, and efficiency. Even if you have a smaller facility, there are many reasons why it's worth knowing about them. Continuous improvement of breeding processes and adaptation to changing market demands and regulatory standards are crucial to the future of the poultry sector.

Bird breeding undoubtedly requires extensive knowledge, including technological expertise, so if you're raising poultry on a large scale, it's worth keeping an open mind to new technologies. With innovative poultry house equipment, you can achieve increasingly better production results while caring for the environment and the well-being of your animals.

If you would like to learn more about our LED lighting for poultry farms or comprehensive equipment for such facilities,
all presented operating systems, we invite you to contact by phone or via the contact form.