The question really shouldn’t be which system is more effective, but which system can work more effectively in a particular operation. Most of these systems are capable of achieving desired results if managed correctly and often integrators are intent on installing the latest technology to enhance performance, when the simplest technology done correctly is just as effective.
Of course, some systems require more labor than others and this is when it becomes a business decision to choose the feeding system that maximizes efficiency, while achieving the desired results. There is no totally automated feeding system. There are systems that can be programmed to run a certain way, but it still takes human supervision for them to run effectively. There is no such thing as “Auto Pilot” in chickens. As managers, we tend to assume that things are as they should be without actually verifying how our programs are being executed in the chicken house.
As flock managers, we must decide in the field on what is best for our birds. This can only happen if we are in the chicken house watching our equipment operating and monitoring how the birds react. We can see fluctuations in uniformity on paper, but how is our feeding system operated on a daily basis? Is the feed being evenly distributed every day? Does every bird have a place to eat on the system? Is the flock attendant aware of the program? Can he or she understand the feeding system to make adjustments or call for help if something doesn’t look right? What is the clean-up time, is the feeder too high or too low, are there breakdowns, are there feed leaks.....the list goes on and on, but none of these can be managed by monitoring a flock from weekly reports.
It takes a hands-on approach when raising animals. We make decisions based on data, but we can never let the human touch go away. We must trust our data through verification in the chicken house. The optimum feeding system then is the system that is properly managed.
Here are some key points to consider when determining if a particular feeding program is right for your operation:
● Adequate feeder space:
○ Chain and trough = 15cm > 12 weeks
○ Round pan = 10-12 birds/pan > 12 weeks
○ Oval pan = 14 birds/pan > 12 weeks
○ Spin = Minimum of 10 Lux light with good pellet and dry litter
○ Progressive feed space < 12 weeks
● Proper feeder height
● Separate male and female feeders at mixing
● Feed form – mash, crumble or pellet
● Even bird distribution
● Timely feed distribution – chain feeder less than three minutes
● Preference of system depends on:
● Available labor
● Animal welfare laws that restrict management practices
● Available feed space vs. floor space
● Dark out or open sided housing
● Rearing programs and pen design
● Economics
