Home > Poultry Farming > Revolutionizing Poultry Farming: The Journey Towards Efficiency and Sustainability

Blog

Revolutionizing Poultry Farming: The Journey Towards Efficiency and Sustainability

In the landscape of modern agriculture, a quiet yet profound revolution has been unfolding. The 20th century marked the beginning of a transformative era in agriculture, characterized by significant leaps in production capabilities. Today, the face of commercial agriculture is one of vast crop yields, intensified fattening and egg production per unit area, coupled with a marked reduction in labor force, substantial capital investments, and an ever-expanding international trade network. A striking feature of this evolution is the diversification of agricultural produce and a notable decrease in their prices, fueled largely by rapid technological advancements – the true driving force behind this agricultural revolution.

Despite these remarkable advancements, a poignant irony persists for the farmer: the business, in essence, has become a ‘Penny Business.’ The razor-thin margins necessitate a critical focus on cost-saving measures. The pivotal question that arises is: where does the proverbial ‘lost penny’ lie, and how can we employ smart, effective technology to prevent its waste?

In our data-driven era, the consumption of vast amounts of data to optimize processes has become the norm. Interestingly, in recent years, we have witnessed a surge in startup companies establishing platforms for precision agriculture, primarily in crop cultivation. However, the question remains, why is this trend less prevalent in the animal sector?

Rest assured, the brightest minds across the globe are fervently working on enhancing data acquisition and analysis in the animal domains, with a special focus on poultry. Today, several platforms exist that collate data from various sensors, processing this information through sophisticated machine learning and AI systems. These systems offer a dual utility: they provide a comprehensive dashboard for managers, accessible via computer or smartphone, and simultaneously serve as a practical tool for growers, that are ‘boots on the ground’ in the coop. While such tools have been in existence for decades, the modern twist lies in their ability to integrate directly with various systems. At a macro level, this integration enables monitoring of the entire process, from inception to the final consumer, allowing for adjustments in staffing, feed mix, distribution, and more – in an omnichannel approach.
At the micro level, numerous technological innovations aid in daily management and operation, yielding significant savings and potential profit. For instance, in laying farms, growers traditionally relied on manual records or Excel sheets to track egg production. Now, platforms utilizing Egg Recognition technology, akin to facial recognition, but for eggs, provide real-time updates on egg conveyors. This AI-based technology not only ensures an astounding accuracy level of 99.8%-99.9% in egg counting but also enables classification of eggs by size as the system evolves.
The introduction of robotics in poultry farms marks a significant shift in operational dynamics. While there is no intention to fully replace human labor, the reality is that quality labor is becoming increasingly scarce. Robots in chicken coops, both broiler and layer, are enhancing movement, reducing disease incidence, and minimizing floor eggs. These robots, equipped with various sensors, can directly feed data into management systems, although they cannot completely replace the human touch, especially in tasks that require a human presence.

At Agrotop, as leaders in the world of animal farming, we place immense importance on embracing and advancing new technologies. The solutions mentioned above are but a fraction of what we offer. We understand that each customer, farm, and integration has unique needs, and we are committed to finding the most suitable solutions for each scenario. This relentless pursuit of innovation is not just about saving the ‘lost penny’; it’s about shaping a more efficient, sustainable, and profitable future in poultry farming.