Innovative Technology & Practices Transforming India’s Poultry Farming Sector
(Dr. Piyush Mangal)
M.V.Sc Scholar, Department of Veterinary Gynaecology and obstetrics,
College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry ,NDVSU, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh
Corresponding Author’s email: piyushmangal1997gmail.com
Abstract
Consideration of Animal Welfare addressing animal welfare is essential for meeting consumer expectations and ensuring the long-term sustainability of commercial poultry farming. However, assessing welfare in large poultry flocks presents challenges, particularly in identifying risks and mitigating their impact. Recent advancements in technology and mathematical modeling provide new opportunities for real-time, automated monitoring of animal welfare and health. Although still under refinement for widespread commercial use, these technological innovations show great potential for the poultry sector.
This paper reviews recent technological developments aimed at improving poultry welfare, particularly in broilers and laying hens. Examples include sensors that monitor farm environmental conditions, movement, and physiological data. Imaging technologies like optical flow help detect issues such as gait abnormalities and feather pecking, while infrared technologies assess birds’ thermoregulation and metabolic changes, indicating potential welfare, health, or management problems. These advancements can be applied on a commercial scale, enhancing bird welfare and optimizing flock management, thereby promoting resource efficiency and long-term sustainability.
Furthermore, the Indian government has introduced measures to support the poultry sector, such as the National Livestock Mission and subsidies for poultry farming. With technology and automation driving modernization, India’s poultry industry is well-positioned for continued growth and success.
Introduction
The poultry industry in India has experienced significant transformation over the years, driven by factors such as enhanced government support, research and development efforts, international collaboration, and active participation from the private sector. This essay examines the innovative technologies and practices that are propelling this change in India’s poultry sector. Advancements in genetic enhancement, sustainable farming practices, and the integration of cutting-edge technologies are reshaping the industry.
This sector has seen substantial growth, with production classified into two main categories: meat and egg production. In the 2022-23 period, India’s total egg production reached an impressive 138.38 billion, reflecting a 6.77% increase compared to the previous year. Over the past six decades (from 1960 to 2020), the industry has transitioned from backyard farming to large-scale industrial operations, thanks to the efforts of veterinarians, poultry scientists, technical and non-technical personnel, and dedicated farmers. In 2023, India’s poultry market was valued at INR 2,099.2 billion, with projections indicating a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.9% from 2024 to 2032.
Robotics and Automation:
Robotics and automation have garnered significant attention due to their potential to minimize labor requirements, operate continuously around the clock, and provide remote monitoring capabilities. Robotic technologies can facilitate movement among broiler breeders and layer hens, which helps decrease the occurrence of floor eggs and enhances fertility, ultimately promoting better bird health and welfare while also lessening the labor demands. These robots can save farmers up to 50% of their time, cut the number of trips needed by two-thirds, and improve overall working conditions.
Robots in poultry operation
A healthier, more fruitful growth environment may come from robotic technology that employs artificial intelligence to assist farmers in making data-driven decisions on the production of broilers. Encourage the birds to be more active by using robotics to build their muscle mass. This will boost their feed conversion ratio in the long run.
The presence of robots can boost wellbeing and health in addition to increasing productivity and earnings. To reduce the risk of pododermatitis, foot burns, and breast burns, certain robots will continuously scratch the litter to remove caking and moist areas. People with additional skills can map and track the levels of humidity, temperature, and ammonia in the residence. Producers can modify ventilation and take care of any localized problem that could impact the productivity or well-being of birds by using this really useful information. A localized problem can be fixed with these adjustments, sparing the flock as a whole.
Artificial Vision
Artificial vision is used in poultry processing to provide real-time yield monitoring of high-value chicken parts. This enables managers to promptly provide feedback to workers so they may fix any possible deficiencies. A standardized technique for comparing outcomes across employees, shifts, and processing facilities is artificial vision, which is especially helpful for big businesses with numerous locations.
In order to maximize efficiencies, intelligent automation and artificial vision can also be coupled. One example of this would be the automatic sorting of broiler parts following inspection. AI enables processors to pack premium value products accurately and at faster processing speeds, which increases earnings and decreases customer complaints. Researchers are currently investigating ways to completely replace human intervention for some particular tasks that are thought to be unpleasant or difficult to complete correctly and consistently.
1.Using high-speed cameras and machine vision, Woody Breast Detection can identify and/or sort breast fillets at regular line speeds without coming into contact with or harming the fillets. While the fillets travel along and fall off a conveyor, muscle rigidity is measured.
- 3D Bird Deboning Cutting Virtual Reality generates cutting trajectories for automated poultry processing systems. It is under development at Georgia Tech Research Institute. Testing started with models but now is on real birds.
Artificial Intelligence(AI)
Artificial intelligence, when applied to broiler and egg production, may not only improve efficiency but help producers address following challenges. Scientists are now teaching machines how to recognize any sound of distress or discomfort to aid in monitoring [1] bird wellbeing. Another area with great potential for AI is its use in detecting early stage disease.AI has the potential to assist in detecting diseases during their incubation period, allowing producers to quickly prevent spread throughout a flock. AI can also help with disease diagnosis .Using AI to complement or augment the human brain – collaborative intelligence – will give us the potential to be more efficient and accurate in diagnoses. Other areas for AI include feed formulation optimization, genetic selection and hatchery management. All segments of the poultry sector will be able to benefit from applications [2] using AI. Using advanced artificial intelligence software, integrators can find solutions through data that would otherwise difficult to perceive. New artificial intelligence technology can help integrators save money and get better flock performance by facilitating investigation and decision making.
Biosecurity measures in poultry farms
Biosecurity in poultry farms involves a set of fundamental practices and strategies. These measures prevent the entry and transmission of pathogens in the farms, thus minimizing the negative impact they can have on poultry production. In the following article [3] we will specifically address biosecurity on farms dedicated to poultry production in all its forms: laying hens, broilers, or reproductive birds. There are manuals that each producer association or animal health institution publishes in each country. These are often called the Manual of Good Biosafety Practices. Besides, some emphasize the recommended measures for each type of poultry production. There are a large number of infectious diseases whose prevention and control measures are strongly related to the biosecurity managed on the farm. Such diseases as Avian cholera, Newcastle disease, Marek’s disease, Salmonellosis, Coccidiosis, Mycoplasmosis, Colibacillus, and Avian Influenza, among others.All equipments and instruments used on the farm must have periodic maintenance to ensure its proper functioning. Besides, these must be cleaned and disinfected frequently.
Genetic Engineering
Genetic advancements lead to healthier and more productive poultry breeds. Selective breeding enhances traits like growth rate and disease resistance. The genetic engineering that industrial chickens have undergone has occurred through inserting genetic sequences via intensive breeding that relies more on modern molecular biology techniques than on the traditional breeding of animal husbandry. To produce a single “hybrid” bird, producers cross 15-20 lines of sometimes freakish birds who never go to market, but exist solely to pass on specific genetic sequences. These efforts have resulted in two distinct types of hybrid chickens: those modified to produce a large number of eggs, and those modified to grow very large very quickly.
Both types of chickens suffer from their genetic modifications. Laying hens often experience painful fractures of their keel bones, which run along the underside of the birds’ bodies. The fractures are likely caused by a number of factors, including the young age at which hens now begin laying eggs, the sheer size of the eggs, and weakened bones because egg production requires much of the calcium in the hens’ diet. Chickens raised for meat, or broiler chickens, experience a variety of health issues resulting from intense breeding. These issues include leg disorders, cardiovascular disease, and high mortality rates.
Block chain technology
Block chain technology could be extremely useful in detecting and tracking of Avian influenza, and recent increases in salmonella outbreaks. Block chain technology is being used in the poultry industry to improve transparency, traceability, and food safety. Blockchain can record the genomic and proteomic information of farm animals, which can help ensure that the products are from the same animals and helps in improvement of poultry sector in India .Blockchain techonology is currently only being used in limited scale in the poultry industry, but it is playing an increasing role. For example, US food safety company Neogen has partnered with blockchain firm ripe.io to build trust and confidence in supply chains. Blockchain technology can optimize the arrival time of trucks picking up fully-grown birds.
Infrared thermometers
An infrared thermometer is a sensor that consists of a lens to focus the infrared (IR) energy on to a detector, which converts the energy to an electrical signal that can be displayed in units of temperature after being compensated for ambient temperature variation.
Infrared (IR) thermometers are used in poultry farming to measure the surface temperature of birds and monitor for abnormal conditions. IR thermometers are non-contact, can measure temperatures quickly, and can monitor in real-time. Here are some ways IR thermometers are used in poultry farming:
Measuring bird body temperature
- IR thermomerters are used to check or measure the temperature of desired birds in poultry farm.IR thermometers can be used to measure the surface temperature of birds to monitor for abnormal conditions. For example, an ear thermometer can be used to measure a chick’s temperature by holding it against the chick’s naval or rectum.
Monitoring the thermal environment
- Thermal imaging cameras can be used to create a picture of the thermal environment in a poultry house, including the floor temperature, ventilation, and condition of the housing.
Monitoring equipment performance
- Thermal imaging cameras can be used to monitor the performance of equipment, such as radiant heaters.
Improving thermal comfort
- IR heating systems can be used to improve thermal comfort in poultry houses.
Movement Sensors
Freedom of movement is an intrinsic component of animal welfare [46], thus, to assure optimal welfare animals should be able to move freely. However, rearing conditions may hinder movement in poultry due to high density, housing space availability, and design or health condition, among other factors [4]. Thus, movement (or lack thereof) is a direct indicator of the welfare status in poultry. Movement sensors have been used to study different aspects of movement in broilers and in laying hens. Piezoelectric crystal sensors were used to determine locomotion deficiencies, one of the major indicators of broiler welfare , by examining the peak vertical force on both feet during walking sequences [5]. With this equipment, the authors were able to detect an asymmetry of the peak force in each foot that led to uneven walking in male broilers, which is a first approach towards real time broiler gait assessment.
Even though these examples of technological developments are still at an experimental phase and would need further research for commercial implementation, these approaches can be helpful to understand bird locomotion characteristics and to detect locomotion abnormalities, at least in experimental studies.
Sustainable Energy
Solutions Using solar and biogas energy reduces operational costs and the carbon footprint of poultry farming. Sustainable energy solutions are revolutionizing poultry farming, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and promoting eco-friendly practices. Renewable Energy Sources are being harnessed to power poultry farms, including:
- Solar Power: Solar panels are being used to generate electricity, providing up to 85% energy savings compared to traditional poultry houses. For instance, solar-assisted poultry production has shown promising results, with energy efficiency values of 0.58 and 0.46 in warm and cold seasons, respectively .
- Biogas: Poultry waste is being converted into biogas, providing a sustainable source of energy for heating and electricity generation.
- Wind Power: Wind turbines are being used to generate electricity, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Energy-Efficient Systems are also being implemented, including:
- Advanced Ventilation Systems: Optimized ventilation systems reduce energy consumption while maintaining a healthy environment for the birds.
- Insulation and Climate Control: Well-insulated poultry houses with advanced climate control systems minimize heat loss and reduce energy requirements.
Innovative Technologies are being explored, such as:
- Geothermal Energy: Harnessing geothermal energy to provide heating and cooling for poultry farms.
- Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS)_: Producing energy from biomass and capturing carbon emissions to reduce greenhouse gas footprint.
These sustainable energy solutions not only reduce the environmental impact of poultry farming but also contribute to more efficient and cost-effective operations
Increased production of eggs by innovative technology
Egg production has indeed been increasing due to modern poultry technology. In India, for instance, egg production grew from 78 billion in 2014-15 to 83 billion in 2015-16, a 5.7% jump. This upward trend is attributed to various factors, including automation, improved breeding, and enhanced nutrition. India ranks third in global egg production, with the country’s poultry industry growing at an impressive rate. The global demand for eggs is also on the rise, driven by increasing consumer preference for protein-rich foods.
Overall, modern poultry technology has played a significant role in boosting egg production, and this trend is expected to continue as the industry adapts to innovative solutions and best practices.
Conclusion
Smart poultry farms that leverage the Internet of Things (IoT) and other advanced technologies offer a cost-effective way to manage poultry operations. By automating various processes and monitoring environmental conditions, these farms significantly enhance operational efficiency. The integration of innovative technologies within India’s poultry sector is essential for global food security, as it contributes substantially to protein production and creates significant employment opportunities. The industry’s adaptability and growth, combined with intensive farming methods, have greatly improved production efficiency and profitability, making it a vital player in the economy and food supply chain.
References
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- Patel, H., Samad, A., Hamza, M., Muazzam, A., & Harahap, M. K. (2022). Role of Artificial Intelligence in Livestock and Poultry Farming. Sinkron: jurnal dan penelitian teknik informatika, 7(4), 2425-2429.
- Basicfarm, 2019. 12 principios de bioseguridad para granjas avícolas. En línea: https://basicfarm.com/blog/principios-bioseguridad-granjas-avicolas/
- Naas I., Paz I., Baracho M., Mezenes A., Bueno L., Almeida I., Moura D.J. Impact of lameness on broiler well-being. J. Appl. Poult. Res. 2009;18:432–439. doi: 10.3382/japr.2008-00061
- Naas I., Paz I., Baracho M., Gomes de Mezenes A., Oliveira de Lima K., Freitas Bueno L., Neto M., Ciaco de Carvalho V., Almeida I., Luiz de Souza A. Assessing locomotion deficiency in broiler chicken. Sci. Agric. 2010;67:129–135.
