EuroTier 2024: Medal winners for innovation in poultry farming tech

Dr Christiane Keppler from the Hesse farming authority reviewed these trends, identifying advancements aimed at optimizing poultry management and aligning with societal expectations.

Poultry producers face mounting pressures to improve animal welfare, reduce antibiotic use, and combat avian influenza outbreaks while navigating economic hurdles. These demands have driven innovative technology linked to rearing, laying hen facilities, and animal health management.

Extended laying period for hens​

Efforts to extend the productive lifespan of laying hens have intensified, with a focus on breeding for laying persistence and improving health and management practices, according to Keppler.

This approach helps offset high rearing costs while maintaining welfare standards, such as raising hens with intact beaks, she notes.

Looking to laying technology and Big Dutchman International introduced a combined aviary system where hens can hatch and remain until the end of their laying phase, eliminating transport-related stress and improving bird welfare.

BARKU Barnsdorfer Kunststofftechnik unveiled a new ergonomic perch, designed with ridges for better grip and made from recycled plastic to enhance sustainability, while WEDA Dammann & Westerkamp’s ProBar introduced the Larvae Snack Bar; this replicates chicks’ natural diets by dispensing live larvae, providing enrichment and high-quality protein.

Breakthroughs in vaccination technology​

Two standout vaccination systems can help optimize poultry vaccination by improving precision and animal welfare, reports Keppler.

• Vaccybot by Agri Advanced Technologies (AAT): This fully automated system administers up to six vaccines simultaneously; it earned a gold medal.
• MultiVacc by Big Dutchman International: A semi-automated machine that administers multiple vaccinations efficiently while minimizing handling stress, awarded silver.

“Both methods represent a significant advancement in the field of poultry vaccination and offer major improvements with regard to function and procedure.”

Tackling red bird mites​

Red mites, a pervasive issue in poultry operations, can now be combated without chemicals. The EX Cold Plasma Mite Trap by MIK International, which was also awarded a gold medal, uses cold atmospheric plasma to eradicate mites, reducing reliance on conventional pesticides.

“This could reduce the use of acaricides, silicates or antiparasitic [products] in the future and could significantly improve animal health and economic efficiency.”

Enhanced hygiene for hatching eggs​

The eggytizer from AAT employs electron beam sterilization (eBeam) to achieve superior disinfection of hatching eggs, improving hatch rates and chick health. It received a silver medal.

“The process enables a higher level of disinfection than conventional methods and, in initial trials, showed a better hatching rate. The use of this technology is expected to improve chick health and provide an economic advantage while eliminating the need for chemical disinfectants.”

Big Dutchman International’s Sharky 430 washing robot now features a flexible washing arm, ensuring thorough cleaning of complex aviary systems. This enhancement earned a silver medal.