INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY & PRACTICES TRANSFORMING INDIA’S POULTRY FARMING SECTOR
Dr. Harshit Kaur Sachdev
M.V.Sc. Scholar, Dept. of Veterinary Medicine
Co.V.Sc, and A.H., Jabalpur
Introduction
Poultry farming is an integral part of India’s agriculture system and economy. It is one of the fastest growing segment of the Livestock sector in India with around eight per cent growth rate per annum.
India is the world’s third-largest producer of poultry meat and eggs, with an annual output of over 4.5 million metric tons and 100 billion units, respectively.
It also plays a crucial role in providing food security and improved nutrition, promoting rural development and generating employment and income, providing employment to around 6 million people in the country.
In the recent scenario, there is an ever-increasing demand of poultry products in the country. To meet this rising demand, there was a need to adopt advanced technologies and farming practices. These techniques have led to enhanced productivity and efficiency, ultimately providing higher yields and profits, thereby transforming India’s poultry farming sector.
History of poultry farming in India
In India, traditional way of backyard farming has been practiced for centuries by local communities who raised poultry for eggs, meat, and feathers. After the country gained independence, the government recognized poultry as a source of nutrition and income generation by rural communities.
The national poultry improvement plan became operative July 1, 1935 for the improvement of poultry and poultry products.
In 1960s, Silver revolution marked an increase in the production of eggs as well as poultry by using hybrid breeds and scientific practices. It helped India reach the world’s third-largest producing capacity of eggs after China and the United States.
Dr. B.V. Rao, called the father of Indian poultry founded the V H Group in 1971, the first commercial poultry farm in India. Hereon, the Indian poultry system developed from backyard farming to an organized, technologically driven industry.
Innovative Technologies and Practices:
Through the efforts of scientists and farmers, there has been a great advancement in poultry sector. The cutting- edge technologies developed and adopted have remarkably changed the scenario of poultry production. Today, India ranks 3rd in world egg production and 5th in meat production.
The essential components for profitable poultry farming include: Breeding, Nutrition, Health and Housing.
- Genomic Selection and Breeding
The exploitation of genetic potential of birds is the most important factor for gaining maximum productivity. The use of high yielding breeds like commercial broilers and layers with faster growth rate and better meat and egg production has evolved the production dynamic of poultry industry.
Selective breeding of birds for desirable traits like high growth rates, better egg production and disease resistance enable high profits. This also leads to the development of more productive poultry breeds.
Research on development of high yielding breeds is carried out by National and state universities and organizations. Like a location- specific, cheaper, disease resistant variety of chicken- Narmada Nidhi has been developed by NDVSU, Jabalpur.
Likewise, use of biotechnology to introduce a single gene improving the feathering of hens is highly appreciated in colder regions to withstand extreme temperature conditions.
Gene Editing Technology: CRISPR Gene Editing Technology- By inserting a bio-marker in the DNA of male chicks, this technology enables the diversion of eggs with male embryos to food production, reducing the need for male chick culling.
Quantative Trait Loci (QTLs) and microarray analysis allow selection of desirable traits. More advanced techniques like transgenesis, RNAi and CRISPR gene editing allow introduction of new traits and improved strains.
- Innovations in Nutrition:
A feed fulfilling the nutrient requirement is a major contributing factor in achieving higher feed conversion ratio and better growth rate. Provision of feed should be based on different requirements pertaining to different growing stages, consisting of sources of energy, protein, vitamins, minerals and feed additives and must be provided in the most palatable forms.
Innovative techniques have been used to develop feed with higher nutritional value to provide balanced nutrition. A transgenic feed is developed by genetic modification containing higher levels of essential amino acids.
To avoid the problem of antibiotic resistance, alternatives are found. Synbiotics are made combining prebiotics and probiotics. They also help to promote the growth of beneficial gut microorganisms.
Microorganisms like yeast are used for the production of limiting amino acids and trace minerals by using biotechnological techniques.
Alternative Feed Sources:
Research and development are ongoing to find alternative and cost-effective feed sources for poultry. This includes exploring the use of insect-based protein, algae, and other novel ingredients to reduce reliance on conventional feed sources.
- Housing innovations using automated control systems:
To improve the efficiency and hygiene of housing systems, automated control systems, showers and feed distributers are being used in modern system of farming.
To monitor air quality, digital air quality monitors are used to make real- time readings of ammonia and carbon dioxide levels. These gasses can impact the productivity of laying hens, so a healthy environment can be ensured by keeping a check.
Moving belt system is used and palletizing dried manure can be done to maintain hygiene.
Remote access livestock monitoring system helps farmers to keep a check on their farms through smart phones.
Fluid LED lights are used to generate heat ensuring warmth in nesting boxes.
Automated chain feeders are used to avoid scattering of feed particles and allowing independent access to food, thereby reducing human intervention and making the process more efficient.
- Data analytics and Artificial intelligence:
AI is used to process large amount of data in poultry farms. This has helped greatly in making data collection more efficient and less labour intensive. Utilizing data analytics and monitoring systems has empowered farmers to make informed decisions and optimize operations. These technologies gather data on bird health, growth patterns, feed consumption, and environmental conditions. Analyzing this data enables farmers to identify trends, detect potential health issues early, and adjust management practices accordingly, resulting in better bird welfare and increased productivity
Robotic Automation technologies like robotic systems have revolutionized poultry farming. Robots can perform tasks like feeding, egg collection, and waste management, reducing labor costs and improving efficiency.
- Feed Optimization: AI algorithms can analyze data on poultry nutrition and growth rates to optimize feed composition and feeding schedules. This can help reduce feed costs and improve the efficiency of poultry production.
- Disease Detection and Prevention: AI can analyze data from various sources, including sensors, cameras, and health records, to detect early signs of disease or distress in poultry. Early detection allows for timely intervention and prevention of disease outbreaks.
- Predictive Analytics for Growth and Production: AI algorithms can analyze historical data on poultry growth, production, and environmental factors to make predictions about future growth patterns and production outcomes. This helps farmers plan for optimal production and resource allocation.
- Automated Egg Quality Assessment: AI-powered systems can assess the quality of eggs, including shell integrity, size, and weight. Automated grading based on these parameters helps streamline the egg sorting process.
- Robotic Automation: AI-driven robots can assist in various tasks on the farm, such as cleaning, egg collection, and even monitoring poultry health. These robots can operate autonomously and optimize their actions based on the data they gather.
- Precision Livestock Farming: AI helps farmers implement precision livestock farming techniques, tailoring individualized care and monitoring for each bird. This includes optimizing feeding regimes, monitoring health parameters, and predicting growth rates.
- Data Analytics and Decision Support: AI can process and analyze large volumes of data related to poultry farming, including environmental conditions, bird health, feed quality, and market trends. This data analysis helps farmers make informed decisions to improve efficiency and profitability.
- Genetic Selection and Breeding: AI can analyze genetic data to identify desirable traits in poultry for selective breeding, leading to the development of more productive and disease-resistant poultry breeds.
- Supply Chain Optimization: AI can optimize the poultry supply chain by predicting demand, optimizing transportation routes, and managing inventory to ensure timely delivery of poultry products.
- Sustainable practices used in poultry production
Sustainable farming practices like use of renewable energy, organic feed, water recycling and waste management reduce the impact of the industry on the environment, making it sustainable and more efficient to be used for years to come. Adopting environmentally sustainable practices is vital for the long-term viability of the poultry industry. Implementing waste management systems, utilizing renewable energy sources, and optimizing water usage help reduce the industry’s environmental impact. These practices contribute to sustainable and responsible poultry farming, meeting the growing demand for eco-friendly food production.
Renewable energy sources: Farmers are increasingly using solar power and other renewable energy sources to power their poultry farms.
Water conservation practices: Farmers are adopting water conservation practices, such as rainwater harvesting and drip irrigation, to reduce their water consumption.
Manure management practices: Farmers are implementing manure management practices, such as composting and biogas production, to reduce pollution and generate additional income.
- Vertical farming:
In urban areas where there limited land available, vertical farming technique is used which allows efficient utilization of space. In this method, chickens are vertically stacked to utilize space.
Integration of various stages of the poultry supply chain through vertical integration and contract farming has proven effective in enhancing efficiency and product quality. Contract farming involves farmers partnering with poultry integrators, providing them with a steady market and necessary inputs. This collaboration ensures standardized practices, increased production, and reduced risk for both farmers and integrators.
Applying vertical integration in poultry farming helps eliminating middle persons to reduce costs, better utilize land space, increase production capacity, gives better control over product quality & consistency, and allows the company to use the economy of scale to their profitability. Besides that, vertical integration techniques can even be done to further process poultry products.
- Bio-security Measures:
Innovations in bio-security include advanced air filtration systems, disinfection technologies, and disease prediction models, helping prevent the spread of diseases and ensuring the overall health of the flock. Innovative biosecurity measures and disease management practices have significantly reduced the risk of disease outbreaks in poultry farms. With an increasing awareness of disease outbreaks like avian influenza (bird flu), poultry farmers are adopting stringent biosecurity measures to prevent and control diseases. This includes monitoring and controlling the movement of people, equipment, and birds on the farms Advanced biosecurity protocols, vaccinations, and monitoring systems help in preventing and controlling diseases. This ensures a healthier bird population, higher production levels, and increased consumer confidence in the quality of poultry products.
- Value Addition:
In poultry processing plants, fully automated or semi-automated dressing lines are available where the processing is taking place in large scale.
- Export Opportunities:
India has been exploring and expanding its poultry product exports. Meeting international standards and regulations is a significant focus to tap into global markets and increase poultry product exports.
- Training and Education:
Training and education programs for poultry farmers have been improving, providing knowledge on best practices, disease management, and modern farming techniques to enhance overall productivity.
Achievements of poultry industry
The achievements of Indian Poultry Industry are as follows:
Development of better breeding stocks- Due to constant research and development, they produce more eggs and meat for better profit.
Rationalized pricing of breeder and commercial stocks- that will keep minimum variation in input costs on various fronts. The commercial stocks normally are taken up with day-old chicks whether broilers or layers.
Plenty availability of nutritious feedstuffs- In the market, we get different types poultry feed stuffs like maize, jowar, bajra, fish meal, rice bran, rice polish, different types of minerals, vitamin premixes, feed additives etc.
New feed milling technologies – Help in production of scientifically balanced poultry rations for optimum production of eggs and meat. In earlier days, birds were fed with crushed maize or crushed grain. But, now the scenario has changed. Nowadays, birds in commercial poultry farms are fed with compounded feed where, cereals, byproducts, minerals, vitamins, feed additives etc. are mixed together in required proportions as the feed formulation.
Pellet feeds are gaining increasing market share – as pellet feeds bear several plus points over all mash feed. Pellet feeding is a newer concept in our country which is gaining popularity, where the feed ingredients are mixed and made into pellets.
Distribution of chicks/birds, feed in all regions – this will help in equal expansion of poultry in all directions of the country. The day-old chicks, or growers or adult birds are available throughout the country from north to south or east to west. Similarly, poultry feeds are easily available in every corner of our country.
Availability of feed additives viz. enzyme, pre-biotics, pro-biotics etc. – These leads to many beneficial effects towards augmenting the production of eggs and meat. Improved Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) – as they are directly related with the profit of the farm. Animal Nutritionists have tried to cut down the cost on feeding of poultry to get maximum gain.
Upgraded management – through continuous research innovations, efforts of the management experts and poultry scientists engaged in our country.
Availability of modern poultry farm appliances and machineries – that will help poultry raiser to rear birds in ideal management on scientific platform
Purchase of feed raw materials and supply of better quality materials – that will help in maintenance of quality control of compounded poultry ration.
Optimized quality control – is an essential tool to produce quality products fetching an attractive price from the consumers.
Quality control of poultry products – egg or meat has been optimized.
Advancement in disease diagnosis and screening procedures –will minimize the losses due to morbidity and mortality of valuable germplasms. Research has been undertaken to diagnose various types of poultry diseases by developing different screening procedures.
Positive role of integrators and corporate in industry by following advanced technologies – as these will enhance the practical adoption of poultry farming by large segment of the society.
Increase in percentage of processed foods – as these will be utilizing the major quantum of raw products. In the market, various types of poultry products, processed foods are available like chicken nuggets, chicken keema, chicken sausage, chicken popcorn, minced chicken, frozen chicken etc. The percentage of processed foods is also increasing very fast.
Marketing of branded eggs – as branded products fetch more money than the unbranded or ordinary/common products. Branded eggs demand and availability has improved over the years.
Tapping of export potentials – as this will yield more foreign exchange and will occupy a major position in global market. Export to neighboring countries has also shown a marked improvement. Adequate scientific knowledge on poultry rearing is very much important as commercial poultry farming based on scientific tenets will certainly be profitable. Sufficient financial support through banking institutions is also available and that will certainly facilitate the option for poultry farming by more masses. Feasible poultry insurance provision will check the losses and drops in financial returns Practical modules of poultry production project are also required for any poultry farm beginners who are depended on bank loan and other financial supports.
Conclusion
Innovative technologies and modern practices are revolutionizing India’s poultry farming sector, leading to increased productivity, improved sustainability, and enhanced profitability. Automated farming systems, genomic selection, data analytics, vertical integration, biosecurity measures, sustainable practices, and digital platforms are transforming the way poultry farming is conducted in the country. Embracing these advancements is essential to meet the rising demand for poultry products while ensuring the welfare of birds and the sustainability of the industry.. From robotics and Automation to food safety measures, big data analytics, and gene editing technology, these advancements improve efficiency, productivity, and animal welfare. By embracing these innovations, the poultry industry can meet growing demands, enhance quality, and ensure a sustainable future for poultry farming and production.
Innovative Technology and Practices Revolutionizing India’s Poultry Farming Sector
