January 10, 2025

 

Broiler cages: Revolutionising poultry farming in Indonesia

 

 

As land becomes scarcer, Indonesia's broiler farmers are turning to an innovative solution: broiler cages.

 

This modern farming method not only optimises land use but also addresses environmental and operational challenges.

 

According to Heri Irawan, a broiler professional, broiler cages represent a significant leap forward for Indonesian poultry farming. This system makes farms more efficient, meets environmental demands, and boosts chicken performance. With limited land and resources, broiler cages offer numerous advantages over traditional floor-based housing.

 

Adopting broiler cages allows farmers to raise to 2.5 times more birds than floor systems, as multiple levels of colony housing can be installed within the same structure. The system includes automated climate control and accommodates feeding and cleaning processes. It can also help to reduce human interaction and improve productivity.

 

"The improved air quality benefits both workers and animals and the reduced exposure to ammonia leads to healthier birds and better performance," said Irawan.

 

Farmers like Bagoes Harywanto, who operates in West Java, have seen remarkable results. Transitioning to broiler cages has allowed him to raise 60,000 birds compared to 20,000 under the traditional system. This change has also addressed key challenges like the high cost and limited supply of rice husks. 

 

"We can reduce production costs by not using rice husks and cutting out the extra labor previously assigned to turn the husks. Instead of throwing it away for free, even chicken manure can be sold," Harywanto noted.

 

The automated manure collection system keeps farms nearly ammonia-free, creating a healthier environment for birds. As a result, farmers achieve better feed conversion, increased survival rates, and more uniform weights.

 

"This innovation is a game-changer, not just for productivity but also for sustainability," Harywanto added.

 

Breaking barriers to adoption

 

Although broiler cages were introduced in Indonesia a decade ago, adoption was initially slow due to high investment costs and limited knowledge. However, technological advancements and a shift in farmers' mindsets have led to broader acceptance.

 

"Farmers are now focusing on how these systems reduce operational costs and improve efficiency," said Saidi Widjaja, director of poultry equipment supplier Ansell Jaya Indonesia.

 

Both local and imported equipment are now available, offering farmers a range of choices. While Chinese products are gaining popularity due to their quality and affordability, local manufacturers are also stepping up.

 

"Perhaps, people used to doubt Chinese products, but now that country is better," Widjaja explained. "Even so, farmers must be observant. (They should) select equipment based on quality, not on price. However, local producers now prioritise quality over price, aligning with farmers' growing awareness of long-term durability and performance."

 

A future of possibilities

 

Although Indonesia still lags behind other Asian countries in broiler cage adoption, progress is evident. With a focus on efficiency, sustainability, and quality, broiler cages are set to revolutionise poultry farming in the country.

 

As the industry continues to evolve, broiler cages represent not just a solution to current challenges but also a pathway to a more sustainable and productive future for Indonesian farmers.

 

About EFL AG-DATA

 

EFL AG-DATA is a startup incubated by Singapore's Nanyang Technological University's Innovation and Enterprise Company (NTUitive) Incubator Program. It is developing an agricultural hub that will revolutionize the feed-to-meat supply chain in China and Southeast Asia countries through data-driven solutions. EFL's mission is to empower farms through innovative data-based services that solve complex problems and enhance productivity.

 

- EFL AG DATA