July 26, 2024

Hatchery, breeder experts unveil strategies at USPOULTRY Hatchery-Breeder Clinic in Tennessee, US

At the recent USPOULTRY Hatchery-Breeder Clinic in Nashville, Tennessee, the United States, industry experts gathered to share strategies for enhancing hatchery performance during the two-day event.

Attendees received valuable insights into implementing quality assurance programmes, managing diseases, improving communication between hatchery and breeder personnel and improving ergonomics with robotics.

Chad Daniels, hatchery consultant manager at Jamesway, highlighted the critical role of hatchery quality assurance (QA) programmes in optimising hatchery practices and improving outcomes. He emphasised the significance of thorough documentation in various aspects of the hatchery process, including tagging and labeling eggs before set, keeping detailed records of where incubators are located, and documenting moisture loss throughout the incubation process.

Daniels also explained that detailed documentation allows hatchery managers to analyse variations between individual trays. This analysis helps identify factors affecting fertility, hatch rates, and embryo mortality.

Hatchery Planning Company's Vice President of Sales Phil Hicks spoke on ergonomics in hatcheries and the implementation of robots to mitigate discomfort and reduce injury risk. Hicks referenced three labor reports, indicating that a 10% increase in robot use per 1,000 workers results in a 10% reduction in disability injuries reported among workers. As hatchery capacities grow, repetitive tasks are likely to rise. Thus, Hicks remarked that proper worker training, robotics and general ergonomic solutions will reduce team member injuries while improving production.

Kylie Bruce, operations associate at Cobb-Vantress, addressed disease mitigation in hatcheries, emphasising the importance of sanitation and proper cleaning. As the health of newly hatched chicks can be severely impacted if they hatch within a bacteria-filled environment, Bruce advised following five measures when cleaning up the "little messes" every day. She further recommended monitoring external sources of contamination, such as egg truck drivers, and limiting their access to sensitive areas within the hatchery.

Pilgrim's hatchery manager Ashley McGovern highlighted the value of two-way communication between breeder farms and hatcheries. She encouraged the two sectors to include all personnel – managers, service technicians, and quality assurance staff – in communication efforts. Essential information from hatcheries to breeders includes egg trailer and egg room temperatures, driver routes, buggy types, hatch trials, or hatch issues, while breeders should share details about such things as flock life, culled egg disposal processes, and egg flat collection methods. McGovern commented that developing a consistent data-collection programme with agreed-upon established parameters where all parties are involved is crucial to success.

The USPOULTRY Hatchery-Breeder clinic offered invaluable strategies and expert to enhance hatchery practices, optimise worker safety and foster stronger communication between breeders and hatcheries, paving the way for improved outcomes and efficiency in the poultry industry.

- USPOULTRY