Optimizing Chicken Farming: Feeding Area, Calculation, and Chicken Count
Maximizing Efficiency in Chicken Farming
Different numbers of chickens in various feeding areas can negatively impact uniformity. Distributing based on feeding area during weight sorting is crucial. Understanding the feeding area helps determine the capacity of your farm. This article provides insights into what a feeding area is, how to calculate it, and how to adjust chicken numbers for different-sized laying hen farms.
Feeding Area Calculation: Feeding Area and Its Calculation
The calculation of feeding area depends on the shape of your feeder. There are three main types of feeders: spin feeders, track feeders, and pan feeders.
Spin Feeders: Scattering Feed
A spin feeder scatters feed onto the ground, and the chicken count depends on the available floor area.
Track and Pan Feeders: Feeding Space
For track and pan feeders, the chicken count is determined by the feeding space they have. The recommended feeding space for track and pan feeders is illustrated in the provided image. However, pan feeders often require a different calculation method.
Calculating for Pan Feeders
To determine the chicken count for pan feeders, count the holes in the feeder, and multiply that by the total number of feeders. While a pan feeder might have 16 holes, it can't necessarily hold 16 chickens. A typical pan feeder's capacity ranges from 12.5 to 14 chickens, which can be used as a benchmark.
.jpg "pan feeder(A company)") |
| pan feeder(A company) |
Adjusting Chicken Numbers
Challenges arise when supplying chickens to laying hen farms, as each farm might have incorrect chicken counts. In response, adjusting the number of chickens per pan-feeding hole becomes necessary.
Adapting to Different Farms
If you supply chickens to multiple laying hen farms, be prepared for variations in the number of chickens required for each pan-feeding hole. The recommended feeding area might need to be updated to account for these differences.
Evolution of Pan Feeder Design
The recommended feeding area might be based on an older style of pan feeder. It's essential to consider the evolution of pan feeder design and how modern recommendations might differ from traditional practices.
Aviagen Management Handbook's Approach
The Aviagen Management Handbook's recommended feeding area could reflect historical practices. Be open to adopting newer recommendations for improved accuracy.
.jpg "feeding space(Aviagen management handbook)") |
| feeding space(Aviagen management handbook) |
Conclusion: Enhancing Efficiency in Poultry Farming
By understanding and calculating the feeding area, optimizing chicken counts, and adapting to farm-specific needs, you can significantly improve efficiency and uniformity in your poultry farming operations.