Innovative Technology & Practices Transforming India’s Poultry Farming Sector

“Innovative Technology & Practices Transforming India’s Poultry Farming Sector “

Dr. Pratistha Shrivastava

Assistant Professor, Dept. of Veterinary Parasitology, Institute of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry, SOADU, Bhubaneswar Odisha.

ABSTRACT

Poultry farming in India boasts a long and enduring history as a cornerstone of the nation’s agricultural sector. For many years, it has played an essential role in meeting the growing demand for affordable protein. As India’s population continues to expand, the significance of poultry farming as a primary protein source becomes increasingly clear. It offers a dependable and nutritious food supply, accessible to a wide segment of the population.

However, like many industries, poultry farming in India has not remained static. In recent years, it has undergone a significant transformation, driven by the integration of innovative technologies and practices. This shift addresses the dual challenge of rising demand for poultry products while prioritizing animal welfare and promoting sustainable industry growth.

This essay focuses on how these technological advancements and new practices are revolutionizing India’s poultry sector. They are reshaping farming methods, leading to notable improvements across production, animal welfare, and long-term sustainability.

India’s poultry industry has seen significant growth in recent years, aligning with global trends. It has become self-reliant, boasting a robust genetic foundation. This article explores how modern technologies have transformed the industry in India, from producing “designer eggs” and “designer meat” to altering the nutritional composition of eggs and meat to cater to consumer demands. Technologies like CRISPR and RNAi have revolutionized the sector, while Nutrigenomics has enabled the enhancement of nutrient content in eggs, increased nutrient bioavailability, and the creation of cost-effective, nutritionally balanced feeds using specialized software. These advancements have had a profound impact, particularly in the layers and broiler segments. The integration of cutting-edge innovations has propelled the poultry industry to new heights, contributing to its sustainability and reinforcing the nation’s food security. Additionally, innovations like blockchain have improved supply chain efficiency and traceability, positioning India as a self-sufficient food producer and a prominent player in the global poultry market.

INTRODUCTION

The poultry sector has long been a key part of the livestock industry, encompassing various production stages such as breeding, hatcheries, feed production, broiler and layer farming, and processing plants. Over the past few decades, the industry has undergone a significant transformation, with modern technologies fueling its expansion. Today, it stands as one of India’s most promising sectors, contributing to food security, employment generation, and meeting the nutritional needs of a growing population. India is currently the world’s second-largest egg producer and third-largest broiler chicken producer, driven by technological advancements.

Despite this progress, the poultry industry remains divided into organized and unorganized sectors. For continued growth, a supportive environment is essential, including policies that address disease surveillance, residue and vaccine quality control, feed standardization, egg quality control, and the adoption of HACCP and GMP standards. Government support, including subsidies, has played a crucial role in the sector’s growth. The establishment of the National Egg Coordination Committee (NECC) in 1982 helped stabilize egg prices and promote consumption. Moreover, subsidies, credit schemes, and training programs have enabled entrepreneurs to thrive in poultry farming. These combined efforts, along with modern technology, have made the poultry industry a major contributor to India’s economy and food security.

Currently, the industry is experiencing rapid expansion and transformation, evolving into one of the most dynamic poultry markets globally. Modernization, commercialization, and a strong genetic foundation have propelled its success. The impressive scale of egg production is largely due to improved genetics, advanced management practices, and growing consumer demand for poultry products.

However, despite its remarkable growth, the adoption of technology-driven information systems within the poultry value chain remains limited. Investment in IT infrastructure, particularly for market research, demand forecasting, and consumer behavior analysis, is minimal. As a result, poultry products are often sold as commodities, leading to fluctuating prices. Unlike other sectors, poultry farmers and producers lack direct market access and price transparency, resulting in information asymmetry.

The pricing strategies in the poultry sector resemble the classic microeconomic Prisoners’ Dilemma, where farmers and producers, unaware of each other’s decisions, continuously lower prices out of fear of losing market share. This has led to significant price volatility, which is common in the poultry market. In such a competitive environment, where producers offer similar products, understanding demand relative to supply is critical for determining optimal pricing. In today’s digital age, vast amounts of information are spread across multiple platforms, making it difficult for farmers and stakeholders to process and act on the data effectively.

Managing Farms from Afar

Technological advancements have significantly transformed poultry farming, allowing for remote farm management. Farmers can now oversee their operations from anywhere through mobile apps and web interfaces. Key advantages of this technology include:

• Productivity: Remote access enables farmers to address issues promptly, leading to enhanced productivity.
• Labor Efficiency: Reduced on-site presence allows for fewer labor hours spent physically checking facilities.
• Quality Assurance: Real-time monitoring ensures consistent quality and adherence to safety standards.

A Greener Approach

Technology also contributes to environmental sustainability in several ways:

• Reduced Waste: Smart systems help minimize waste generation. For instance, precise feeding techniques can significantly reduce excess feed spillage.
• Lower Emissions: Efficient management practices lower greenhouse gas emissions, decreasing the carbon footprint of poultry production.
• Water Conservation: Smart water management systems help prevent wastage, benefiting both the environment and farm operations.

Animal Welfare and Health

Technological innovations enhance animal welfare by:

• Early Disease Detection: Automated systems can detect health issues early, allowing for timely intervention.
• Comfortable Housing: Climate control, ventilation, and lighting systems create optimal living conditions for birds.
• Reduced Stress: Minimizing human interference and maintaining consistent environments reduce stress among poultry.

Economic Viability

Balancing profit and sustainability involves:

• Cost Savings: Technology streamlines processes, leading to reduced labor costs and minimized resource wastage.
• Market Competitiveness: Sustainable practices attract environmentally conscious consumers.
• Long-Term Viability: Investments in technology yield long-term economic stability for farms.

Use of Technologies & Analytics in Market Research & Consumer Behavior

Advanced data analytics tools and software are now available for poultry producers, enabling them to analyze historical data, market trends, and consumer behavior. These tools help farmers make informed decisions regarding production volumes and timing. India’s diverse climate can impact poultry production, resulting in seasonal variations in demand and supply.

Producers often employ seasonal adjustments in breeding and hatching schedules to align with market demand. For example, in regions with extreme temperatures, production may be scaled down during the summer months to minimize stress on the birds. Automated feeding systems, temperature control systems, and data-driven management tools optimize resource utilization and reduce production costs, helping producers maintain competitive pricing and a steady supply.

Diversification into Value-Added Products

Beyond traditional poultry products like chicken meat and eggs, diversification has become a key strategy for the poultry sector’s expansion. Producers are focusing on developing value-added products, such as processed poultry items, including sausages, nuggets, and ready-to-cook meals. These products cater to evolving consumer preferences, particularly among younger consumers seeking convenience and variety.

Poultry farms are increasingly expanding into different regions to mitigate risks associated with localized supply disruptions. Establishing operations in multiple locations reduces vulnerability to disease outbreaks, adverse weather conditions, or logistical challenges.

Optimization of Supply Chain & Marketing

Producers and processors are streamlining supply chain operations to minimize waste and ensure timely distribution. Advanced logistics and transportation management systems facilitate the efficient movement of poultry products from farms to consumers, reducing the chances of product shortages.

Well-planned marketing campaigns, similar to the National Egg Coordination Committee’s initiative ‘Sunday ya Monday roj khao ande’ (Sunday or Monday, have eggs daily), are essential for increasing consumer awareness and demand. Poultry companies are investing in advertising, branding, and promotions to highlight the nutritional benefits of their products, fostering consumer loyalty and boosting demand.

Additionally, Indian poultry producers are exploring export opportunities, tapping into foreign markets to diversify revenue streams and reduce reliance on the domestic market, thus helping manage supply levels more effectively.

Collaboration with Government on Regulations

Collaboration with government agencies at both the central and state levels has become crucial for the poultry industry’s growth. The sector works closely with regulatory bodies to develop policies ensuring food safety and quality standards. The government also provides support through financial incentives, subsidies, and infrastructure development. Timely and coordinated efforts during disease outbreaks help minimize disruptions in the supply chain.

Collaboration with Various Associations in the Value Chains

Industry associations at national and regional levels play important roles in supporting poultry farmers. These associations advocate for policies that promote sustainability, ensure the availability of quality inputs, and provide platforms for knowledge exchange and problem-solving. Organizations like the Poultry Federation of India (PFI), The Compound Livestock Feed Manufacturers Association (CLFMA), and Vets in Poultry (VIP) are key supporters of the industry, fostering growth and resilience among poultry farmers.

Moreover, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has recently approved India’s self-declaration that it is free from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu, in specific poultry compartments. This approval is expected to open up new opportunities for Indian poultry in the global market, contributing to the country’s economic growth.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Animal Husbandry, India has self-declared that it is free of HPAI in 26 poultry compartments, which was approved by WOAH on October 13, coinciding with World Egg Day. These compartments are located in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh.

With such collaborations across various players in the poultry value chain, the sector is well-positioned to meet rising challenges and fulfill consumer demand for healthy chicken meat products in the coming decades.

3.1.1 Least-Cost Feed Formulation Technology

This method involves the use of advanced mathematical techniques like linear programming, requiring the aid of computer technology. It is commonly employed by organized poultry farmers and feed producers to formulate low-cost diets. Data such as nutrient requirements, chemical composition, energy values, protein content, and ingredient costs are necessary for this method. By understanding daily price fluctuations of feed ingredients, the least-cost diet can be formulated more effectively.

3.1.2 Software for Feed Formulation

Specialized software can be developed for creating mixed or concentrate mixtures and entire rations for dairy animals. One such software, “Make Feed,” is designed specifically for poultry with user-friendly features, even for those with limited computer experience. It is Windows-based and caters to various poultry types, including layers, broilers, quails, and guinea fowl, allowing farmers to optimize their production processes.

3.1.3 In Ovo Injection of Nutrients

The standardization of in ovo feeding and immunization procedures has led to improved post-hatch growth and immunity in chickens and turkeys. In ovo treatments using specific nutrients, which influence genes related to immunity and growth, have enhanced post-hatch growth and resistance to common diseases.

3.1.4 Nutrigenomics

Nutrigenomics is an emerging field with the potential to revolutionize the poultry industry by addressing challenges posed by resource limitations and evolving consumer demands. It focuses on techniques that modify the gene expression of poultry. For instance, in the “Ecomomas E” study, researchers demonstrated that gene expression in poultry could be maintained even when Vitamin E content in feed was reduced by up to 80%, significantly lowering feed costs. Prenatal Nutrigenomics has also led to the development of diets that reduce mineral excretion, improve antioxidant status, utilize alternative feed materials, reduce costs, and enhance the quality of poultry eggs and meat.

The poultry industry is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by new technologies that enhance productivity, animal welfare, and sustainability. Here are some key innovations reshaping the sector:

1. Automation and Robotics: Automation simplifies farm operations by using machines to feed poultry, collect eggs, and clean barns, reducing labor costs and boosting efficiency.
2. Smart Sensors and IoT: Real-time monitoring of temperature, humidity, and other environmental factors through smart sensors helps farmers maintain optimal conditions, improving poultry health and growth.
3. Precision Farming: Data analytics allow farmers to fine-tune feed and health management, lowering costs, preventing diseases, and enhancing flock performance.
4. Genetic Engineering: Advances in genetics produce healthier, more productive poultry breeds. Selective breeding strengthens traits like faster growth and disease resistance.
5. Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI aids in predicting health issues and optimizing feed efficiency. AI-powered cameras can detect early signs of stress or illness in birds.
6. Blockchain Technology: Blockchain enhances traceability in the poultry supply chain, ensuring food safety and quality from farm to consumer.
7. Sustainable Energy Solutions: Using renewable energy sources like solar power and biogas reduces operational costs and lowers the carbon footprint of poultry farming.
8. Showcasing Innovations: Poultry companies display cutting-edge technologies and products, helping farmers discover new solutions.
9. Networking Opportunities: The expo brings together industry leaders and experts, offering valuable networking chances.
10. Educational Seminars and Workshops: Attendees can learn about best practices, emerging technologies, and market trends through workshops and seminars.
11. Market Expansion: With global participants, the expo helps businesses reach new markets.
12. Industry Recognition: Participation increases a company’s visibility and credibility in the poultry sector.

Advancements in Poultry Product Technology

Modern technological advancements have allowed for the modification of egg composition through nutritional and genetic means to better align with the evolving dietary needs of humans. These innovations include altering fatty acid profiles, reducing cholesterol levels, and incorporating therapeutic compounds into eggs.

· “Designer Meat” and “Designer Eggs”

The concepts of “designer meat” and “designer eggs” are gaining popularity among health-conscious consumers. Designer meat is enriched with antioxidants like selenium, carotenoids, vitamin E, flavonoids, and herbal extracts such as algae, beta-carotenoids, linoleic acid, lutein, sulforaphane, taurine, lumichrome, lycopene, curcumin, carnosine, and quercetin. These additions make the meat more nutritious and beneficial for health.

Designer eggs are similarly enhanced with vitamins A and E, along with essential micro-minerals such as selenium, iodine, zinc, copper, and chromium. They also address health concerns like iodine deficiency. Through genetics, nutrition, and pharmacology, scientists have successfully reduced cholesterol levels in eggs, making them more heart-healthy. In addition, genetically modified chickens can produce eggs with specialized compounds, like insulin for diabetics. A notable example is Kanuma, an FDA-approved drug derived from transgenic chickens.

· Dried Meat Products

Dried meat products offer several advantages, including space-saving storage, easy transport, and a variety of flavors. They have an extended shelf life at room temperature, making them highly convenient. Moreover, their production can be adjusted based on the availability of raw materials and labor, allowing for flexible manufacturing schedules.

• Development of Combination Meat Products

Combination meat products can be created by blending chicken and turkey meat with poultry by-products such as SGH (separated giblet meat), liver, or eggs. These by-products have excellent binding properties and are well-received by consumers, resulting in lower production costs. Eggs can be included in the formulation by as much as 30%.

• Egg Powder

Egg powder is produced by spray drying whole liquid eggs. It can be easily reconstituted to make omelettes by mixing one part egg powder with three parts cold water, along with salt, spices, and other seasonings to taste. Egg powder is versatile and is used in various egg-based food products as well as in non-food industries.

• Albumen Flakes and Scrambled Egg Mix

Albumen flakes are made from dehydrated egg white, obtained through pan drying. This dried crystalline product is commonly used in baking, particularly in angel food cake, candy, and other confections. Dehydrated scrambled egg mix is another convenient product made from whole liquid eggs and milk powder, with added table salt and white pepper. It contains hydrogenated vegetable oils for quick preparation.

• Addressing Production Challenges

Despite the increasing numbers in meat and egg production, the poultry sector in India still lags behind that of other developed countries. To enhance the sustainability and profitability of the poultry meat sector, several initiatives are necessary:

• Establish hygiene plants in rural areas to process poultry slaughter waste, thereby reducing environmental pollution and financial losses.
• Ensure packaging is made from eco-friendly materials for safe storage and distribution of poultry products.
• Update and improve the retail market chain to enhance the safety and security of poultry products.
• Innovate processing techniques for traditional poultry products to meet the growing domestic and international demand.

Advancements in Egg Sexing and Gender Modification Technologies

Determining the sex of chickens is crucial in poultry farming due to its significant impact on production performance and economic viability. Male chicks, which cannot lay eggs and generally have a lower meat-to-food ratio than broilers, are often culled shortly after hatching, leading to ethical and economic concerns.

Accurately identifying chicken sex before hatching presents a major challenge in large-scale breeding operations. Various techniques are available for pre-hatching sex determination, including molecular-based, spectral-based, acoustic-based, and VOC (volatile organic compound)-based methods. While molecular techniques are standard for accurate sexing, they require skilled technicians and certified laboratory settings. Spectral-based techniques show promise as non-invasive methods, though they involve complex data processing and modeling to analyze egg contents. Acoustic techniques can be affected by environmental noise, making their application challenging.

· Molecular-Based Technologies

Molecular technologies have advanced significantly, offering various methods for sex determination in poultry. These methods include DNA testing, assessing chromosome content in cell nuclei, measuring hormone concentrations in allantoic fluid, and conducting molecular genetic analyses of blastodermic cells.

· Chromosome Content in the Cell Nucleus

Flow cytometry is a crucial technique for monitoring DNA levels in birds. The amount of fluorescing light detected in each nucleus correlates with the DNA content of the cell, allowing differentiation between male and female chickens based on their sex chromosomes. Male chickens possess two identical sex chromosomes (ZZ), whereas females have heterogametic sex chromosomes (ZW). Research suggests that male and female chickens exhibit approximately 2% difference in DNA levels. In flow cytometry, cells are broken down, treated with a fluorescent agent and nucleic acid, and then subjected to laser light analysis to measure DNA levels in the nucleus, enabling the determination of the sex of chicken eggs.

· DNA Test by Polymerase Chain Reaction

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is a widely used method for amplifying sex-related genes located on the Z and W sex chromosomes of avian species. Griffiths and colleagues developed a PCR-based approach for the in ovo sexing of chicken eggs in 1991, which was later refined by Clinton and his team in 2001. This method provides a reliable means of determining the sex of embryos at early developmental stages.

· Hormone Concentration in the Allantoic Fluid

Molecular-based sexing can also utilize samples of allantoic fluid, which serves as a medium for excreting nitrogenous metabolites from avian embryos. This fluid contains embryonic cells, allowing for the differentiation of embryos based on estrogenic compounds. Allantoic fluid begins to form around five days into incubation, reaching its peak volume between the 12th and 13th days. By analyzing the estrone sulfate content of the allantoic fluid, researchers can determine the sex of chicken eggs as early as nine days into incubation, achieving over 98% accuracy. Studies have shown that hormone levels in male eggs are significantly lower than in female eggs.

· Molecular Genetic Analyses of Blastodermic Cells

The blastoderm is a small disc (approximately 4–5 mm) of cells located on the surface of a yolk after the egg is laid. It contains genetic information that indicates whether the chicken will be male or female. Various imaging techniques, including 3D X-ray micro-computed tomography and MRI, are employed to locate and analyze the blastoderm.

· Spectral-Based Techniques

Spectral-based egg sexing techniques encompass several advanced imaging methods, including:

• 3D X-ray Micro-Computed Tomography
• Optical Coherence Tomography
• Hyperspectral Imaging
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy
• Raman Spectroscopy

These techniques leverage spectral analysis to provide non-invasive means of determining the sex of eggs, contributing to more efficient breeding practices in the poultry industry.

• Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy

· Spectroscopy

Spectroscopy is a non-invasive and non-destructive technique utilized for detecting variations in DNA. Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, for instance, employs a mathematical process known as Fourier transform to convert the original interferogram data into interpretable spectra. This technique can provide molecular information regarding the sex of birds by analyzing pulp cells extracted from feathers. FT-IR spectroscopy holds promise for rapid and non-invasive sexing of chicken eggs.

· Morphology-Based Technologies

Morphology-based methods rely on examining the outer shell shape and blood vessel distribution of the egg. This approach is rapid, low-cost, and non-invasive for ovum sexing. The distribution of blood vessels can be assessed by the fourth day of incubation to help determine the sex of the embryo. Additionally, shell shape features can be used to ascertain sex prior to hatching, significantly reducing the costs associated with incubating egg embryos.

· Acoustic-Based Techniques

Egg heart rate monitoring involves detecting the embryo’s heartbeat signals, which commence between the second and third days of incubation. The heart rate of normally hatched eggs becomes unstable after the ninth day of incubation, varying between 1 Hz and 4 Hz. During days 15 to 19 of incubation, heart rate data were measured using lie detector recording systems, revealing that the average heart rates of female embryos were 2 to 4 times higher than those of male eggs at 17 days of incubation.

· Advancement in Early Disease Diagnosis and Prevention

· Nanotechnology and Biosensors for Early Disease Diagnosis

Nanotechnology is significantly contributing to the detection of viruses and related diseases. Single Virus Tracking Technology (SVT) allows for the monitoring of individual stages of a virus throughout its life cycle, facilitating a dynamic understanding of virus emergence in living cells. This technology has been effectively used for the timely detection of avian influenza viruses. The development of biosensors has enhanced the speed and accuracy of virus detection, with costs decreasing significantly over time.

Nanobiosensors have made remarkable advances in identifying viruses and associated diseases. Various types of biosensors have been developed, including:

• Affinity-based nanobiosensors
• Nano island affinity-based biometrics
• Graphene affinity biometrics
• Nanowire biometrics
• Optical nano biometrics
• Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) biometrics
• Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence (TIR) and electrochemical biometrics

The use of these nanobiosensors has rendered viral detection highly sensitive, rapid, and cost-effective.

· Edible Vaccines

Edible vaccines offer chicken producers the ability to deliver stable vaccines at room temperature through feed, providing both intestinal and systemic protection against coccidiosis. This technology embeds genes for antigen-specific antigens into corn plants to produce the vaccines.

· Phytogenic Blends for Parasite Control

Phytogenic blends are utilized for the control of coccidiosis by targeting specific receptors on the parasite and damaging its cuticle. These blends consist of terpenes recognized as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) that are naturally found in food plants and deemed safe for use as flavorants. The blends utilize special encapsulation technology to enhance their efficacy in the intestines of chickens.

Modern farmhouse innovations in poultry farming are transforming operational efficiency, animal welfare, and environmental management. Here are some key advancements:

1. Automated Public Access Control System: This system includes automatic showers and concrete flooring between houses, reducing vegetation growth and allowing easy cleaning and disinfection, even when birds are present.
2. Chain-Feeder Technology: This technology ensures efficient feed distribution by accurately measuring and delivering feed, providing uniform nutrition to every bird.
3. Fluid LED Light Level Control: A flicker-free lighting system with adjustable light levels promotes bird welfare by offering optimal lighting conditions.
4. Air Quality Monitor: Designed to sample air every two minutes, this device monitors and displays CO2, ammonia levels, humidity, and temperature, helping maintain a healthy environment inside poultry houses.
5. Water System Design: Innovations in water systems prevent contamination from dirt, feces, and other pollutants, ensuring birds have access to clean water at all times.
6. Waste Management Innovations: Manure belt systems in egg production remove waste efficiently. Dried manure pelletization reduces dust and stabilizes the material, while some countries are using Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae as an alternative manure treatment method.
7. Remote Access Livestock Monitoring: Farmers can monitor their broiler sheds remotely via smartphones, tablets, or computers. This system provides detailed views of feed lines, drinkers, hoppers, and bird spread, reducing the need for regular in-person checks.

 Strategy for the Transitional Sector: Small/Marginal/Entrepreneurial Farmers

1. Promoting Agripreneurship: To boost entrepreneurship and employment, the focus is on clustered support for the small and marginal farmer sector through initiatives like IPPP, RKVY, and state programs. This approach allows for shared services and economies of scale.
2. Brand Development for Indigenous Poultry: Encouraging branding of indigenous poultry breeds, like Kadaknath, known for specific attributes such as low cholesterol and Omega-3 rich designer eggs. Expanding value-added products like novel egg and functional poultry meat products with longer shelf-life is a key focus.
3. Market Intelligence: Developing both domestic and international marketing intelligence in collaboration with ICAR and other departments/agencies to strengthen market positioning and competitiveness.
4. Export Promotion: Collaborating with APEDA and DADF, along with international bodies like the International Egg Commission, to enhance export efforts. Initiatives such as inter-country buyer-seller meets and participation in international exhibitions will be encouraged to boost international trade.