Organic broiler rearing and growing: equipment for healthy birds

After a 21-day rearing period, the birds are moved into the nearby production house. In both new buildings, Erkel prioritised modern equipment that ideally combines welfare and the requirements of organic farming – using clever solutions from Big Dutchman.  

Multiple systems in the organic rearing house support the chicks’ healthy development:

• Raised training slats animate the birds to move and promote natural behaviour.
• The Fluxx 330 feed pan with overflooding mechanism provides the chicks with the correct quantity of feed, reliably and from the very first day.
• The illuminated iDOL 29 feed sensor guarantees that the birds empty the control pan, which ensures continuous feed supply.
• The Swing bird scale sends precise weight data from every section for good bird management.
• A fully automatic drinker flushing system guarantees good water hygiene.
• The FW99B feed weigher supports need-based feeding.

The house for organic broiler growing is also well-equipped:

• Raised training slats remain an important element, including during production.
• The Fumus fresh air chimneyworks with a balanced pressure system, which is ideal for houses with open fronts and a free range.
• A winter garden with access to the range creates diversion and offers fresh air.
• The FW99B feed weigher supplies exact feed quantities as required by the birds

In both houses, the indirect fired JetMaster DXC hot air blower serves as heating system, which means that Marcel Erkel saves on gascompared to traditional heaters, and also reduces emissions.

The houses are controlled by modern computer technology: BFN Fusion, the digital management platform from Big Dutchman, controls and monitors all processes in the two poultry houses. Irrespective of the farmer’s location, the platform allows access to the feeding and ventilation system as well as climate and bird data – in real time and via smartphone, tablet or PC.