Automated Chicken Harvesting Machines and their Mass production Process

There was a time, not long ago, when most of the processes in a poultry farm were being handled manually. Whether it was slaughtering of birds, evisceration, cleaning and chilling, collecting of birds, or packaging, the “human hands” were responsible for these tasks.

But now, in the 21st century, things have changed. The poultry industry has made massive development in recent years due to the use of various kinds of reliable machines. One such machine is the automated chicken harvesting machine. This steadfast technological product not only reduces the labor force but also enhances the efficiency of chicken harvesting process.

Wanna know more about this amazing machine? If yes, then keep watching the video till the end because we are going to discuss automated chicken harvesting machines in full detail along with their mass production process.

What is an Automated Chicken Harvesting Machine?

It is a machine used in the poultry industry for the purpose to gather chickens (broilers) for slaughtering. It is also known as the Chicken Harvester. Since the broilers are not kept in birdcages, some method has to be adopted to catch them. Some years back, the conventional hand method was used to catch birds and drop them into the crates. This was an exhausting job and considered as the “worst in poultry farming”.

In contrast, the automated chicken harvester machines are equipped with the latest technology and use various systems to collect broilers and transfer them to the desired area for further processing. They can harvest 20-26 tons of chicken per hour, we can say about 8,000 birds per hour with an average weight of 2.5kg per bird. However, it can differ depending upon the bird size, forklift speed, operator skills, machine design, etc.

Automated chicken harvesting machines are very powerful and are mainly made up of stainless steel. It is hydraulically-powered and consists of automatic electrical components. It not only improves the performance and efficiency, but also the dependability of the system.

How the Machine actually Works?

People often ask this question about chicken harvester. Well, here’s the answer. Its working is not that complex. This machine is equipped with a series of strong belts that catch birds and draw them into the container. The birds are then transferred to a large basket. This process continues until the required weight is achieved. After that, the chicken harvester stops, and the trolley is taken away by the forklifts for subsequent processing.

Automated Chicken Harvesting Machine VS Traditional Manual Methods

For a better yield in poultry farming, get rid of the traditional manual methods, make some investments, and have an automated chicken harvester. That’s because these machines are equipped with the latest features and help to maximize your yield. In the conventional manual methods, the labors had to perform more strenuous activities but that’s not the case if you are using chicken harvester.

With an automated chicken harvesting machine, only half hands are needed to perform the same activity, with less strain. Also, there’s less chance of injuries to the chickens compared to those from the manual hand-grabbing method. According to a British study, it is found that some injuries reduce to as much as 50% by using these machines. The use of automated harvesting machines is also less stressful for the birds. However, it does not reduce the time required to complete the process, but it is far easier for the laborers.

Benefits of Automated Chicken Harvester

The use of automated chicken harvesting machines has increased tremendously in recent years. It is just because of their excellent efficiency and the tons of benefits it offers. Let’s discuss some of them in detail, shall we?

1. Enhanced Animal Welfare

With the help of these machines, the birds are loaded in a stress-free and relaxed manner. It is per the laws of animal welfare.

2. Reduction in Labor Costs

It reduces the no of employees required to accomplish the process of loading, ultimately decreasing the labor costs.

3. Loading speed

An automated chicken harvester has a speed of loading 8000 birds per hour which adds to its value.

4. Easy Cleaning

These excellent machines are specifically designed to facilitate quick and easy cleaning.

5. Flexibility and Durability

Chicken harvester is extremely flexible and you can load any type of cage, Stork, Anglia, Meyn, etc. They are made up of stainless steel and powerful electrical components that increases its durability.

Mass production Process

Talking about chicken mass production, well it is a lengthy process consisting of several steps. It begins when the hens lay eggs at the hatchery. These eggs are collected and transferred to the incubator where they stay for about 20 days till hatching. Inside the incubator, the eggs are periodically rotated by a machine that keeps them warm. These are a special type of automatic machine designed to rotate at a constant speed. During the incubation period, the chicks absorb nutrients from their yolk sacs and are protected from diseases by spraying a mist of vaccine.

The next step that follows is called Growing Out. The chicks are transferred to large open houses where they are kept at a temperature of about 29 degrees. These young ones are not fed any hormones or steroids rather they feed on a special diet consisting of corn, soy, vitamins, minerals, etc. This diet helps in achieving excessive weight gain in their thighs and breasts. The chicks stay here for 6 weeks.

Growing out is followed by the next step called Collecting. After the broilers gain weight of about 1.8 kg, they are collected by automated chicken harvester or less commonly by hands. As discussed earlier, these machines then transfer the broilers to the slaughter area for further processing.

In the slaughter area, the broilers are hanged on a conveyer belt and are passed through electrified salt water known as stun cabinet. They remain there for 7 seconds and due to the mild electrical current in the stun cabinet, the birds are paralyzed. In the last step, the broilers are passed through an automatic neck cutter that sever the 2 carotid arteries. Till all the blood is drained out, their bodies are hanged. Then further they are processed for storing and packaging.

Different Machines used in Poultry processing

Other than the automated chicken harvesting machine, various other machines are also used in the whole process. One kind is the chicken skinning machine which is used to remove the broiler’s skin from breasts, legs, breast caps, etc. Automated chicken de-boning machines are also used to help strip off maximum meat from the bones and maximize the yield. Other than this, various small machines are used such as the one in the incubator for rotating the chicks and the automatic neck cutter in the slaughter area.

Equipped with all the newest features, an automated chicken harvesting machine is an essential part of your mounting poultry farm. So don’t look back anymore. Have a chicken harvester for your poultry business and expand your growth! For more interesting videos, stay tuned to us.